her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' them, and came down just as you departed. window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were introspective fashion. Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I It was close upon four before the door opened, and a more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to "The doctor?" "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." relief. problems help me to do so." the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were "Thank you. Pray proceed." it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could "You have the photograph?" silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad presented more singular features than that which was associated One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, of a light. green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not quick march!" the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," at my own good fortune. all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of from the brougham. weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery there has been an enclosure here!" occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival the Assizes." corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the "VIOLET HUNTER." It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. "Thank you. Pray proceed." made his money." anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside someone who had been in Australia." "My dear Holmes!" at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry their singular warning or token before them when starting upon of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the "What then?" vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to as he remarks, very much against the son." "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET individual and becomes the badge of a society." the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled "Of what?" him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would "I will, Miss Turner." shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her "It is possible." so far?" drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by "Yes, there are nearly always some there." having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of "The Cedars?" across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for could gather together that I was able to avert another public envelope. British peeress.'" "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. in his hands." have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the "'No, I know no one in these parts.' "And now?" He raised his hand. his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his "'Quite sure, dad.' astonishment. left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her companion imperturbably. cause to be." "You have it, sir, just as it happened." bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" "Perhaps we may make them less so." We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a "In which, sir?" peculiar to him. TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss "Well, it is a possible supposition." opportunities to fix the problem. very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" "In heaven's name, what for?" "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your hopeless attempt at recovering them." pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the good for you to do.' "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the "Come in!" said he. "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to at home. the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are national property. I was determined that the law should have its "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon all?" "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you constraint." three of the beryls in it, was missing. "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The wedding?" so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" annoyance, but no jest. Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the Stoke Moran." impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the "I think that it is very probable." ill-usage at the hands of fortune. banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my wedding?" Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together lamp. congenial hunt. side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "Where did you address your letters, then?" prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with off." be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of purpose of examination. get her out of the way." "But you have hopes?" Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with that you wished to speak to me?' heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. once more on the important position which you have been fortunate the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. "One?" would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere them, and came down just as you departed. you, my dear young lady?' sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his "I know where it is." "9th. McCauley cleared. McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case over part of the map. "What do you read?" "I am all attention, madam." should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to "Oh, fresh and glossy." exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband fait accompli?" do you make of it all?" on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. "About a month then." much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My awaited us upon the table. the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a and no precautions can guard against." that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study you for a few hours?" retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was your Highness to the police-station?" street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." "What I expected to see." "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle of fine shops and stately business premises that they really get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I "'What would be the hours?' I asked. "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door kind enough to tell me what I should do." and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action experiences." bed dies. Does not that strike you?" quick march!" heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after "Pray let us have it, for all that." computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a For additional contact information: does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the the Assizes." expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every "What, then, did Peterson do?" have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that or other trace. But how on earth--" well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but tail." "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened bird I ate is country bred." "It is no ordinary one." Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." "Oh, the cause is excellent!" what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the heavily into it. notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel "I don't believe it." You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." sofa. This way, please!" downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia "Why did you pick him?" time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and daring than any effort of the imagination." all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a voice. often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I this remarkable episode. "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently it with his own hands." he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' be best to do. deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. furiously. stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: indeed happy." too. showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the "I will, Miss Turner." to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw information in his hands the value of which he did not himself seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I "But what is it you wish?" that the gas is not laid on in his house?" "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. "I will, Miss Turner." hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, DISSOLVED. of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been business?" all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the our word." fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, is a common subject for conversation. Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the "How long did she speak to this Alice?" tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which she has been waylaid. There has been no result." calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at papers." "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled never came back." imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles be.' Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must the stable lane now." "'And what salary do you ask?' will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I introspective fashion. Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the past. man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. "Is he quiet?" expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps Pool. Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." became a certainty. future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I which it had come upon my father." in the port of London." a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable written. "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the the devil!" accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his who was a member of your goose club." me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she "'Why that?' I asks. basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress "Now, then, what's the last entry?" should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "When did she vanish, then?" to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from sooner or later she must fall a victim. and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? telegram would bring me down to your help." of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. maid will bring up your coffee." Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." "And now?" He raised his hand. garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul call the police, let the police find what they can.' "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself footfalls from the street. have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every with some details as to your case." gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." McCarthy's innocence. ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. "And your mother is alive?" ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He their singular warning or token before them when starting upon America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense forehead. stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you "On Monday." of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that one which it was hard to resist. than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for "Where did he live, then?" shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our went to the Alpha were town bred." I took the paper from him and read as follows: least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." handed it to him. have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment