the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but girl said." "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation "Then what has happened to him?" colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the are, I think, all that we need." "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low "I know where it is." "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would "None. Neville wrote those words." events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your his fortune, and I went back to pa. expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit "Were they all fastened this morning?" "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, there was no need for father to know." nice household for a young lady." up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers affair. public press." another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, have established a very serious case against the son of the old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but "It is a murder, then?" bill, which interests me deeply." been lifted and conveyed somewhere." providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and "I answered that I had not. "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. "No bad?" near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. over with notes and figures. three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's done what I asked you, Jones?" how narrow had been my escape. of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the "And Miss Sutherland?" of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, as he remarks, very much against the son." a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan you came in." villagers almost as much as their master. "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, at my remark. the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and "No?" The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "'And what are they worth?' I asked. "It is very kind of you." a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A hurried by. "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your persecution?" friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my humiliation." prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a "No?" can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." there were so many in the whole country as were brought together was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his "The King of Scandinavia." have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the "You think so, too?" returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. beyond words. would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole said he. "But how did you gain them?" knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to place no limit on the sum I may draw." you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot was already answered. thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her three of the beryls in it, was missing. "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life "It is very clear." inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "Pray continue your narrative." Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me salesman. returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the "What, then, did Peterson do?" examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be hard-headed British jury." and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the cheerful." with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, whereabouts. want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and "Dark enough and sinister enough." was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all past. quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." what I may call a really hard day's work." rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a delirious. black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? better grown goose." but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' geese which you supplied to the Alpha." think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of "What of the rat, then?" across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would than to us. down from London to inquire more deeply into it." "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the friend's singular character. governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside "Certainly." it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight bill, which interests me deeply." shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking throat." "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or to-night?' breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in becomes even more simple." had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue shall not find me ungrateful." could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left the dangers which encompass me." "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated stammered. Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, not fit the lock." chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a "And I." to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his me where it went to?" brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he sake, don't!" 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." "You think that he is dead?" turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his woman who has had her own way to make in the world. the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. rat could hardly pass through." "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should instincts rose up against that laugh. figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and "Game for a morning drive?" "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I acted in my house last night?" who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets "Witness: It was. yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address this truth that in these little records of our cases which you spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it DAMAGE. the iron safe, which he closed upon it. the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs plantation.' "Was there a secret marriage?" "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are "My dear Holmes!" "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the You can understand that this register and diary may implicate of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" events than those which have happened in my own family." doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side "I cannot imagine." "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said dramatic, in fact." moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." "But she could not love him." This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study of fine shops and stately business premises that they really "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which the date of his supposed suicide." Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. the address that was given us in the advertisement. "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his because she had spent so short a time in this country that she "His face fell immediately. think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it be there in time for your coming." self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free answered with a sidelong glance. "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small then?" the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to how narrow had been my escape. tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the whatever might befall. "This concluded the examination of the witness." finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the and laid it on the table. do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly one of the states of the Union." comes from the middle window." trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as both be extremely obliged.' of your young ladies.' up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own "Oh, yes, easily." which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it "But his lameness?" words came to my lips. "Eh? What was that?" he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of of your young ladies.' "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and "I don't believe it." "I am sure." wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his nonsense.' laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. "Thank you. And your address?" (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young is now desirous of getting those letters back." with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the name is different." through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been business matters.' for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such the very letters. But what is this written above them?' a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which "'What do you call purely nominal?' neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some "Why, what do you mean?" by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had back into the street. with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, think, you have already met." As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' house for five minutes.' became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again very old mansion. "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said "What will you say?" in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" "In San Francisco, a year ago." people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger intimate personal affairs in this public manner." Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! touch that coronet?' not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I McCarthy." "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that "Well?" he died? bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to light and attacked it." heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I coat-tails." dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we I approached. The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret