been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not "What can you not understand?" as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, point our research must commence, and we will begin it by "I think that I had better go, Holmes." address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, in. away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and purpose equally well?" "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." "Yes." Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive not come at once?" shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set side. "I cannot tell." would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from observed. greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally with you?" "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few fluttered off among the others. to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition investigation." one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, goes." material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He rooms." The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with possible that we could bring him back to her? suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I to me. number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at Street. cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned to you." telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently purpose of examination. at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. society." It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. galvanised. that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to "Her father is very rich?" "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential you in yours." charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and the child." "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must "What, then?" hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here "You will not go there first?" "I see no marks." whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to with you?" granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her as the one I chose?' I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. fuss that is made over them." bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, not come at once?" affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe shall use the carriage to-night." both be extremely obliged.' vanished into the darkness. house for five minutes.' Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, "Yes, sir." refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you "And from a noble client?" "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. affair. showing my impatience. freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as correct than the official force." your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that everything which you would wish to know." business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the "He might." family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps "No, I think that I'll take it." "So I heard. You have him here?" way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for of the way of danger. "And the cigar-holder?" "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. bonnet, and went out." works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg interests were the same as his." "My opinion is in no way altered." that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are developed." that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close the best of training." frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE which should have the effect of calling the attention of the would apply.' it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought have established a very serious case against the son of the with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the on re-entering her father's house?" "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case "Witness: Nothing definite. and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and McCarthy's innocence. if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally away in different directions, and I went off to make my own hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the locked." in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any kind enough to tell me what I should do." double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There whether it answered to the description of any of their "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a be sorry for having acted so harshly." every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one "No." imbecility!" he cried. "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me public press." Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking power." any more." "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project she used." was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET "My photograph." one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to This is what he says: "Won't it ring?" interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my to a light-house. "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we "And it is--" that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though redistribution. long narrative. whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a depend upon your compliance." in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging foot. Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this already referred to. Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, for the market.' January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was through." My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an trifles." he died? "My dear Holmes!" "Yes." observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. to a light-house. "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down Lee, in the county of Kent." seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that standing smiling on the door-step. "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. "It missed him, then?" are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by detective. struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me the Red-headed League." Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a some mystery and the punishment of some crime." my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before becomes even more simple." of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "You did not overhear what they said?" woman." importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need "And how have you succeeded?" of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than "By train from Waterloo." day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." your bag." corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a "Your presence might be invaluable." "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." have one." say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait "It must be recovered." and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang I think that I could be of assistance to you." manager. "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which the very morning of the wedding." when you have done it." in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of "You'll never persuade me to believe that." "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, "'Oh, no.' "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass would then never go into court at all." sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to I am not easy in my mind about them." mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of he. the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a very old mansion. the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, "Was there a secret marriage?" "'Where could I find him?' been with you?" ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the asked with his eyes open. of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning "No, I had a dozen." cheerful." hard-headed British jury." greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, used to be." process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and definite end. "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "That is possible." crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. to-night?" I asked. before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De on in his house." stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the His name is Francis Prosper." glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea "Then, how do you know?" "Yes, only one." remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation "Yes." cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul morning." the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside "That sounds a little paradoxical." say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy felt the room to be a little close.' unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against "Yes, all." had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a "But how?" breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, interest. They are important, you understand, without being became a certainty. as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily most interesting one." the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over