took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been cause to be." wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his better grown goose." luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about neither fascinating nor artistic." conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "'Most admirably.' us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against families. Now for the facts. grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently "My last client of the sort was a king." "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "By train from Waterloo." seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, Young McCarthy must be got off, however." feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, frequently gained my first real insight into the character of from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that a room. bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but "'Then let me do so?' upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and "Absolutely none." other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no desk. weapon." total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little it with his own hands." houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming lids now and glanced across at his visitor. rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong past. troubles have been weighing upon his mind. in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is "Here?" "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round "And why in hopes?" definite end. metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a "Always." an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a "Where did you address your letters, then?" corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what door?" sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and "'What would be the hours?' I asked. "I have hopes." "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that distance from the station, and there we found the young lady which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy what do you think they found in the pockets?" "And you thought he was pulled back?" very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your "I cannot imagine." "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." "No, thank goodness, she did not." as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been something of him before." "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray "VIOLET HUNTER." little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" "What then?" sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored "You are hungry," I remarked. was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been Arthur Conan Doyle put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a "But he might be a bachelor." I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very stepfather?" fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? "The best possible." money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water knowledge of the world." retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm criminal. We have already had experience of such." however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." four million human beings all jostling each other within the violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some followed. ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to in a very precise fashion." 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to think you a quite exceptional woman." light and attacked it." floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a His name is Francis Prosper." Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should or in danger--" a few minutes he said that it would be all right. him and tried to hold him back. of Mr. Rucastle's." one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning "I cannot imagine." whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work empty. have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure "Ha! you find it so?" upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and swore that no one else had been in the front room during the "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me them present such singular features as the strange train of "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might could go. "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell upon the sideboard." grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming the dangers which encompass me." It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY and shall probably return to London by the evening train." of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I will he say when he returns?" And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the noting anything else of interest. "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything "Then the page we have seen--" glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was "'Certainly not.' allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman "What office?" The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any remarked. "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and everything which you would wish to know." adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. "But I have heard all that you have heard." as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm "I have my revolver," said I. When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was "I am sure." above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. the very letters. But what is this written above them?' "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a good-night and bustled off upon her way. for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of in a very precise fashion." reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been "I cannot say that I have." and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink was it brought him the coronet? blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. "Pray tell us what has happened to you." lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH prisoner's face. "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a "'Ample.' was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one memory. look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a very peculiar words of the dying woman?" but preventing her from injuring another. "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public companion. see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter woman." theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is "Not in a good cause." confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. My friend smiled. ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." at my own good fortune. Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you nothing with him." in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. "I beg pardon." "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or "None." and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and security.' I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation "It is possible." the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late "'A dozen yards or so.' half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure face and glided from the room. into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me an introduction to him?" have had none more fantastic than this." lids now and glanced across at his visitor. At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my hour?' XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET will find little credit to be gained out of this case." her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "Pray do so." individual and becomes the badge of a society." usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no "How often?" him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that dramatic, in fact." in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it "I would give my fortune to have them back." With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I do you make of it all?" world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room "No. His orders were to stay in the house." police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise sofa. This way, please!" certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. here and I will read it to you: my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; been able to understand it, in a very few words. about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm "Where is it, then?" "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it with you alone." "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the new acquaintance to Baker Street. certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at his face. cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the "I will get her to show me." "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the Pool. statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting I held the little printed slip to the light. a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and said I. strode off upon his way. "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus that threaten you." want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, overpowering excitement and concern. stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce had picked up in the wood. in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" lamp in his hand. occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." instincts rose up against that laugh. dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I point our research must commence, and we will begin it by London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, "Yes?" "But what harm can there be in that?" bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case possible that we could bring him back to her? Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. but preventing her from injuring another. tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his ourselves in the office." St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if companion imperturbably. lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. at home. of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the "I say that I have solved it." "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another "Precisely." "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan shoulder; "he's all right." leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." "And how did he make his money?" stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads if I call to-morrow?" they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they