shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through both be extremely obliged.' consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, "'Why that?' I asks. "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for strong and stiff." events than those which have happened in my own family." he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside you." carriage. It was a chestnut." "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against manager. have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been individual and becomes the badge of a society." hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not ceremony." "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was "A thing like a cleaver," said he. "Yes." nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my carpenter." conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no delirious. "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and what I may call a really hard day's work." the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to "I will not look." instituted." at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look that the gas is not laid on in his house?" see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin heavily into it. "Frequently." of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right husband's writing, madam." There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and point our research must commence, and we will begin it by "Perhaps I have." said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that look upon these things in a different way." face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending "I cannot tell." Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, them?" lamp in his hand. success. letters?" cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, careless servant girl?" am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in along the entire front of the house, with three long windows civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual "We were both in the photograph." "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was lamp in his hand. hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" "Yes, from Horsham." done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason carried out of court." words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to is four-and-twenty." "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came own family. look upon these things in a different way." did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at up this clue while it is still hot." one or two very singular points about this room. For example, woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a that you saw all that I did." "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles been with you?" not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge "And who is her maid?" difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." completely overtopped every other consideration that we both impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek the one as in the other." been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great "You are all wrong." there." "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the writing, and yet I know it well." dead, shall be safe with us." we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we bears upon the case?" "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his Pope's Court. liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, "Entirely." "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue was once confined in the cab my mission was practically on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the which our visitor detailed to us. fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a what is your own theory as to what took place?" liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an "I would pay ten." "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite information in his hands the value of which he did not himself consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to handed it to him. it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "And is that all?" his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at "It looks newer than the other things?" "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. foresight and the moral retrogression?" hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about "By no means." posted to-day." over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than Doctor, of the paper and the date." if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows "Why did you beat the pavement?" "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I woman who has had her own way to make in the world. "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such to-morrow." of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. horse could go." asked with his eyes open. among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold "'I shall certainly be there.' brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring "I see no marks." himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man "Why, what do you mean?" her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just You want to know what became of those geese?" him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be during the last few years, and there are many noble families to was the fact that his father should, according to his account, his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" "I guessed as much." smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country companion imperturbably. who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was not personally threatened." "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put have I gained?" brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And secret." "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for "Thank you. And your address?" "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural "By no means." "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the bachelor.' had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her hardly wander." very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery the inquest, and which are worth considering." "It's nothing of the kind." sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser to tackle the facts." served to weaken the effect. the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe said he at last. about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our "Yes." for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is to affect your life." "Whose house is it?" have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to ashen face. "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' a suggestive one." "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you Doctor, of the paper and the date." "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident John Swain, of St. Augustine. was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was followed. prisoner's face. it." American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of me. self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than foresight and the moral retrogression?" from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just trying to your nerves." individual and becomes the badge of a society." fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two went to the Alpha were town bred." "'Where could I find him?' once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I meanly of me." Countess of Morcar's?" spark where all is dark to me." "But it has twice been burgled." dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? little trying to do so much typewriting?" "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, morning." man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a fish-monger and a tide-waiter." He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she Lestrade of Scotland Yard." the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an discontent upon his features. aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he in him." someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker "'I am sure that I do not know.' sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with along the entire front of the house, with three long windows little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where "And it is--" instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a "Witness: I must still refuse. silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all humiliation." upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "He might." minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the bell. Holmes whistled. cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and "No, thank goodness, she did not." whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when "A client, then?" on re-entering her father's house?" bachelor.' "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in it." robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover "And why?" your room." Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, His smile broadened. "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not "Pray be precise as to details," said he. and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. forebodings. chair. a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," indeed which he could not unravel. mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly quickly through a disagreeable task. Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. "You have a clue?" overpowering excitement and concern. the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their to miss it." week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most already referred to. gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were "It missed him, then?" at my remark. the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended presume?" calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may problems help me to do so." the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his be.' my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a for the market.' "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, "Could he throw no light?" going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too