Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning stood on the top of it. "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way presented which may be striking and bizarre without being We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible "And sit in the dark?" minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the foot. Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his possible that we could bring him back to her? His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given have an American origin." of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" ways including including checks, online payments and credit card A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a "Not him." "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian fire. You quite follow me?" suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and was once confined in the cab my mission was practically "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined geese which you supplied to the Alpha." What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET "But the mystery?" a suggestive one." questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank subject to the trademark license, especially commercial I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope instituted." the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel "Where did he live, then?" "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in "Nothing?" c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and address. are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to was keenly on my guard against him. means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the What do you deduce from it?" "Very much so." to tell." "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "But to whom?" advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my me. You must get home instantly and act." Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands "No, I had a dozen." "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing a few minutes he said that it would be all right. course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their "And when will you call?" Mrs. Toller serenely. "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building not within a twentieth part of the market price." daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. brought there to personate someone, and the real person is was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in "Yes, I have one waiting." remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up that?' uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but served to weaken the effect. previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to "Not I." speckled band?" "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't "I cannot imagine." my little problems." not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend "Stolen." "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your this unhappy family?" "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in possible that we could bring him back to her? "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. four million human beings all jostling each other within the "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." towards the blaze. "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing and I shall be with you presently." her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never said he at last. fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every "'Yes, it was gone.' been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal derbies." shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a must compliment you." "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to which I could not give. He asked for Alice. lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, important." before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been This is what he says: few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and Sutherland. tension within him. obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he nothing with him." her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most "'Oh, no.' manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as you, my dear young lady?' green of the new foliage. "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her lids now and glanced across at his visitor. the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying nice household for a young lady." Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves only touch the interest." result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." stalked out of the room. Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are undoubtedly my uncle's." few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." fluttered off among the others. revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client desk. down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an depend upon my doing so.' Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a "What will you say?" question you as to those details which seem to me to be most tapping his fingers upon the table. address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. she used." law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence silent! Oh, he will be silent!' taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, matter." up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the chamber." she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will "That was it, sir." could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence "But I am all in the dark." showing my impatience. arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel drawing your inferences." copied or distributed: "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the hardly wander." child?' "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an down from London to inquire more deeply into it." estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, evidence," I remarked. of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner the inquest, and which are worth considering." as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, outside. the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most "But how did you gain them?" zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. "Precisely." aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for "Do you know him?" me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've "You don't mind breaking the law?" "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal meanly of me." "Well?" "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, "I saw her in conversation with her maid." "He is dead," cried several voices. "Get out!" said he. deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his "Very truly yours, chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the about. Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a certainly do as you advise." sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both through." "What steps will you take?" I asked. England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. that the gas is not laid on in his house?" "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is electronic works here and I will read it to you: "Stoke Moran?" said he. so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my "Yesterday." remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded opened the door, and slipped through. "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would a suggestive one." which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the which our visitor detailed to us. hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got dramatic, in fact." and the whole place is in a blaze." "He said too much." to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to "I don't believe it." some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, "'You cannot say what it was?' round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her "That is it on the dressing-table." you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with papers." chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in "'As governess?' wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I to arrive at through this?" business came to an end." his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is remarked. in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for "Not in a good cause." "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly suddenly upon us." instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may "I cannot think." of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my and glanced through. all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't "Now, then, what's the last entry?" thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." place no limit on the sum I may draw." stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, "It is a murder, then?" once more on the important position which you have been fortunate simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a "How did that help you?" knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and have had none more fantastic than this." go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." "On the contrary, this is the right side." machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was the Assizes." from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to "I see no marks." man. are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had closely." "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your "Nothing." gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the highroad, where all traces were lost. "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This "I have seen the police." as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire quite distinctive." his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place "I don't say that. Perhaps." There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' my little problems." so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, situation." consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: "'What are you doing there?' he asked. for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." "Dirty?" but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her "And you thought he was pulled back?" possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police sound at heart." of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." examine." the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this Project Gutenberg-tm works. had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that "Quite so." "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that astonishment. fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of entirely lost his self-respect." approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the morning." as he remarks, very much against the son." we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." "It is possible." returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I "And I." "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean