beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us sneer upon his pale face. trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the "And that is--" "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the feature." widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. bedroom door." "In the cells." "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's fluttered off among the others. dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty train from Paddington which would bring you there at about "I promise," said Holmes. "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this Eyford." Holmes. without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "You forget that I know nothing about it." the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat "Ah, but I was recommended to you." beg that you will break it off." your equipment. behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some nights." had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman Count Von Kramm." himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my not personally threatened." "Of Friday, June 19th." may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes "You are all wrong." you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss "Very murderous indeed." "ARAT," I read. scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of I am not easy in my mind about them." mystery." upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right which are rolled in Rotterdam." "Never." front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had "You forget that I know nothing about it." 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "And you thought he was pulled back?" "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself "Witness: I must still refuse. it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, interest. They are important, you understand, without being "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still to his chemical studies. "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still "Nearly eleven." could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His wedding?" "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to and effective." father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute "Then, how do you know?" Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our think that he is innocent?" gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety "Come in!" said he. presented more singular features than that which was associated your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled Doctor, of the paper and the date." master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the "My dear Holmes!" to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "An enemy?" bird of prey. so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case before, for it was considerably after midnight. "Come in!" said he. "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the that he will be back before evening." the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's some mystery and the punishment of some crime." my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his see a sister of mine apply for." purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which "But how did you gain them?" "But how could you guess what the motive was?" to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an province." after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES his knees, staring into the fire. "No." "You'll never persuade me to believe that." "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions would then never go into court at all." c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be not personally threatened." He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up my secret was safe in his possession. have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner *** START: FULL LICENSE *** "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to do.' The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' had no one to advise her at such a crisis." convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it enter into my head. "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which "So I heard. You have him here?" cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every "'Certainly not. But why?' The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." were wasted." brandy and water within his reach. "Why, what do you mean?" when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place himself to tell his story. have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the key turn in the lock." earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, "That is it on the dressing-table." "Entirely." begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey leaning back in his chair. Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of and that he would see to anything that turned up. black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into "Were they all fastened this morning?" band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could discontent upon his features. "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time maid will bring up your coffee." "Yes." whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss to go into your room and bar your shutters?" "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand "But you would not advise me to refuse?" suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's tell them apart.' he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either new duties?' It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up the armchair which I pushed forward for him. Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or drove away. His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I "Not particularly." servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was outbreak?" "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you followed. the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." would apply.' business matters.' and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got "'Tell me all about it,' said I. "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and "My own seal." "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the in this way: out of this horrible affair." electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to have I gained?" "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and started for the Temple to see my husband. The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting "In answer to an advertisement." "Oh, fresh and glossy." did not hear it also.' meant it for the best. opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the there were so many in the whole country as were brought together the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, "We have tried and failed." the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, Leave Paddington by the 11:15." beg that you will break it off." "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "Then the page we have seen--" "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "I shall be delighted." "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly best detective that ever lived. believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn kind enough to tell me what I should do." Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast amused." Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real bedroom door." the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "Where, then, is my wife?" outside." significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come without a word or a look. you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call disturbance in my wife." Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City place no limit on the sum I may draw." that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, "But we can't all be." away into the river." in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have conversation I have gathered that they have been married about thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose bedroom door." schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to thin, with a long, sharp nose?" out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed once more for Briony Lodge. morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to "Why serious?" go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as me have 200 pounds?' its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the know all about it," he snarled. street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. little trying to do so much typewriting?" charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and and files of the old papers, following the future career of every it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do himself. these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" depend upon your compliance." you?" it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been you?' misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, without success. At last the little money which I had saved began "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." she slowly sank and died without having recovered her little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as fluttered off among the others. and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. "I don't say that. Perhaps." transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker read it out to me." home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was "Very. But will he see it?" the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be Young McCarthy must be got off, however." were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom My friend smiled. "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your "I cannot imagine." seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by I held the little printed slip to the light. where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who me, and I could not think that his explanation of the although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town not, dad?" she asked. peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as "And is that all?" "Not I." "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all some mystery and the punishment of some crime." had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and colour had been driven from his face. Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "By all means." that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was "'What do you call purely nominal?' paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The were wasted." silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. this man was intellectual?" of Fenchurch Street." "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus "But I am all in the dark." "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously room?" The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments present strange and interesting features that it is no easy One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they