beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. "'Yes, it was gone.' sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than generous with you in money matters.' implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do "9th. McCauley cleared. habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the six. Come in!" Stoke Moran." marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, should be so warm over such a trifle." "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you "Yes, at the mines." it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this conceal it?" employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the despair." planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of "To an English lawyer named Norton." nothing with him." police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I feature." unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, overpowering excitement and concern. round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this "Yes, certainly." all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he opened a pocket-book and took out a note. and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to upon a handsome competence. "But what will you do?" at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried to change my dress. wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young "How did you trace it, then?" of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was it with his own hands." knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. this as likely?" "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, "It is very kind of you." corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen occurred." have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I that importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though the warnings." I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." "Yes." he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that "The Cedars?" homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better "Nearly eleven." the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, gentleman's clothes. drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you Leadenhall Street--and--" "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic "What! Had he lost his wife?" of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project for its centre. is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that closing the door. extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in You want to know what became of those geese?" Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, danger is over." blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in your room." that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came this truth that in these little records of our cases which you questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to McCarthy." have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. ran thus: "Very much so." Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you the tragedy. much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of characteristics, but those are the more obvious." innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked "I have hopes." passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a to arrive at through this?" could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, o'clock is it?" of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was presented more singular features than that which was associated dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; whole matter to your consideration." room had already been engaged for us. "'Then let me do so?' however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that all?" would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence second." wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with done what I asked you, Jones?" salesman. "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "None." ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, "Yes." floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of quick march!" across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs the ceiling. "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, "No, I am descending." following enigmatical notices: matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and "'Oh, no.' married her." brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the points to suicide?" whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too "Perfectly so." was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were I think that I could be of assistance to you." papers must be those that are destroyed.' course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every considering the formidable letters which were received by himself possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which morning." the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an shag which I had seen upon the previous night. He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean conduct the inquiry." "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore noble correspondent could be. known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at strength." is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if horse could go." education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as "'Yes, it was gone.' Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my daring than any effort of the imagination." At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern in darkness. and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity of Fenchurch Street." easy-going way." "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his instituted." "You have carte blanche." the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You and a shock of very red hair. "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, himself in a perplexing position. is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some you?" and no precautions can guard against." "I cannot as yet see any connection." return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, could go. "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. Lestrade of Scotland Yard." and no precautions can guard against." long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, cause to be." front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the bachelor.' could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly me what he had done with the three missing stones. Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you you." unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of is four-and-twenty." beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two that you saw all that I did." hardly wander." very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." be best to do. similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for trifles." here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such intrusion of other matters." conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more drawing your inferences." her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until "Breckinridge is his name." pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy rooms." "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in singular points about the case. What did the police think of the I shall communicate with you." "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his License. You must require such a user to return or Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project were wasted." George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself to his chemical studies. fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed are, I think, all that we need." to-night's adventure." me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to which I could not give. He asked for Alice. madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning closely." whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great affection." Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and "Ah!" might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, seven miles from Eyford Station.' his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady good-night and bustled off upon her way. methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full "I was certainly surprised to find you there." be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs leave you to your papers for a little." "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the "Certainly, madam." "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." kindly on the shoulder. the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him during the last few years, and there are many noble families to a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, "At what time?" "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. "You'll never persuade me to believe that." including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. "And now?" He raised his hand. her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours giving me time to thank him. backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about fled together." smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such the running down." should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted "But you would not advise me to refuse?" papers diligently of late, have you not?" I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic chemical work which was so dear to him. some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely voice. gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right indeed happy." "No." row." "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but visitors." Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our unprofitable." have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that