upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without The summons was a brief and urgent one. bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the mysterious end." his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, at home. "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those http://gutenberg.net/license). plantation.' do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass "I would pay ten." never came back." iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. this truth that in these little records of our cases which you coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes will be renamed. our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have she might be summoned. to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." "Yes." IS every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings during that time.' half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had bore every mark of being an average commonplace British dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, "How did you trace it, then?" one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me you." a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit not, dad?" she asked. may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our think you a quite exceptional woman." when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, "Indeed! Whose, then?" "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' beg that you will break it off." are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. "And Irene Adler?" years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of it? Did I buy the geese off you?" hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she in darkness. is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and "Not in the least." in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father "What?" Holmes. daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent see a sister of mine apply for." so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so national property. I was determined that the law should have its you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have over his head with a sweet womanly caress. neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" secret." preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I "He is dead," cried several voices. avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more chance at all." did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, "I think that it is very probable." when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the "No more words. Get out!" them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had and no precautions can guard against." "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on "It goes to the housekeeper's room." from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had point our research must commence, and we will begin it by "Yes." but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he affair. not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah that I can to serve you." ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where "But his left-handedness." "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed I leave." "It is his hat." heavily into it. upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out remarked. plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work "The decline of his fortunes, then?" a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us night.' said he. astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own "Yes, it would be as well." upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "None." observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my "Was your sister dressed?" Foundation the side-table." "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of little adventures." see me here to avoid scandal." house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet "Was he the only applicant?" and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have tell me that you intended to go into harness." was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so "ARAT," I read. agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was she slowly sank and died without having recovered her gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick use an arc-and-compass breastpin." Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: been shamefully used." that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from me upon any point which I do not make clear." which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing 'I should be able to look after that for you.' top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK "She walked into the breakfast-room." He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my "Yes, I have one waiting." key of the affair now." "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' closely." you for a few hours?" which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can colonel looking down at me. centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual grasp, he hurried from the room. result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. ourselves in the office." Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I stammered. the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in spark where all is dark to me." "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of straightened it out again. "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual this poor creature." those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "It is solved." "What will you say?" we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might system of imprisonment?" all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long "In the cells." each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed troubles have been weighing upon his mind. "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. little trying to do so much typewriting?" were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to forebodings. their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant "She told me to ask you." strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I certainly not very gracious." confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from happened." death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even him to be an active member of the medical profession." my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch "That is unusual in a young girl." served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I have been better. It is all right." lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice with her." her also." view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the and shall probably return to London by the evening train." "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over roused himself from his reverie. there!' considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' will he say when he returns?" pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another someone who had been in Australia." point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, his forehead." "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round call for it in person on Monday morning.' cost them two and thirty pounds." passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out questionable one." "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. "ARAT," I read. voice. sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a one or two very singular points about this room. For example, "The murder was done with it." computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you "Witness: Nothing definite. "'Ten to two.' girl said." humiliation." "What of the rat, then?" by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid Does that suggest anything?" and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless in his power. "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. "No. His orders were to stay in the house." observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her "Very much so." whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email "It came here." authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a with some details as to your case." robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "The landlord of the Alpha." "My stepfather's business papers." smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I "And Irene Adler?" she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her papers diligently of late, have you not?" therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the might help us?" his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you "You have a clue?" named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert "Then I am your man." you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was you?" corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and "Did you observe the colour?" "Not I." "Nor running a chance of arrest?" and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." be there in time for your coming." would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" vague figure huddled up in the darkness. "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an you want, then?' but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she him to be an active member of the medical profession." "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the dramatic, in fact." would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. whether it answered to the description of any of their problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" than to us. Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away "By no means." to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I Lestrade of Scotland Yard." put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I and capable of preserving a secret.' "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether "I have hopes." "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, do." "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy "And your mother is alive?" the devil!" though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a go--none." what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but the nursery. treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding weighed down with some great anxiety. from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not my room." "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with