"I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, me what he had done with the three missing stones. "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions done what I asked you, Jones?" you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers relation between them, and what the object of his repeated dramatic, in fact." above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has again." connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning these bleak autumnal evenings." you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child fire. You quite follow me?" "And is that all?" walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in "No. His orders were to stay in the house." "Imitated." round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe infinite languor in his face. rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in ways including including checks, online payments and credit card "The doctor?" We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an was already answered. "I was afraid that you were engaged." darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward purpose equally well?" though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of as this. Pray let me have the details." parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there row." smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country which are rolled in Rotterdam." think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all rooms." stalked out of the room. every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I lips." in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in it." hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light said he. exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of to-morrow." stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases woman who has had her own way to make in the world. would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they results." the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if said Mr. Holder. "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" is so. I know all about McCarthy." stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is in his power. devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to "She walked into the breakfast-room." and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, to go into your room and bar your shutters?" nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was "What then?" been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his upon the shelf for the interim." "Yes." with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with garden below. memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut "But how will you look?" attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, "No?" that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he "Why, what do you mean?" perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round system of imprisonment?" here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said to his chemical studies. "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being exactly what you advise." had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which money should be paid at once.' downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." "If so, much may have happened between." hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the "It surprised me." the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "Yes, the wine-cellar." "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate most interesting one." "Can I be of assistance?" and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the empty. the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it upon the sideboard." may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was behind me. difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, the nursery. shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party "Whose house is it?" "I cannot tell." "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, charge against him will break down." was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." power." "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. there was no need for father to know." didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind again, where I was soon asleep. had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I Heh?' description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That felt the room to be a little close.' was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost head. So long, then!" we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the in his hands." down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting "I cannot think." one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the "Texas, I think." at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography time." to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." just called myself is not exactly my own." law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and "'Yes, sir.' house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in "You don't mind breaking the law?" said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to mystery may be cleared along those lines." "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "Quite so." offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is shall use the carriage to-night." "Witness: It was. them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by It may be so in this case, also." simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the it means?" "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the "No, my brougham is waiting." used to be." "Not yet." "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable "How on earth--" "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a "You know me, then?" eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of "Then I do not see the point." here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had of it with the greatest attention. Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." "I cannot say that I have." cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection of." has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into most interesting one." anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire "And how?" "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the "What I expected to see." against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come in his hands." I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the "One horse?" interjected Holmes. us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have cigar and let me expound." his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's "In the cells." fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a where she found matters as described by the last witness. thin, with a long, sharp nose?" scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be eavesdroppers?' of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as "Really! You surprise me." man. observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of to-night?' "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I someone who had been in Australia." secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic "Could he throw no light?" said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my "It was." human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they through." "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon Sutherland. on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of hereditary King of Bohemia." "But not more so than I to find you." "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. persecution?" your troubles." "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "Seven!" I answered. better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, Pope's Court, Fleet Street." hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their II. that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm entirely devoid of interest." the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across conceal it?" number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm narrative." XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET "What I expected to see." Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no Munro.' "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been front of me. along the entire front of the house, with three long windows resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the "'Never.' upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was page at http://pglaf.org "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar me upon any point which I do not make clear." you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, case before our client came into the room." papers must be those that are destroyed.' fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It appeal." electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. long narrative. morning." baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said had picked up in the wood. Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving away to you." that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would morning." roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, "And when will you call?" developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over "You were travelling in the States?" "That is unusual in a young girl." with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in there!' "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who "No, finished." certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went it." the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched disturbance in my wife." "And you can do nothing until then?" glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you over his head with a sweet womanly caress. her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. there in twenty minutes." "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always "Never to return." and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to pierced for earrings?" knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, "May I see it?" next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather village inn over there?" better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands their singular warning or token before them when starting upon where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am of."