your billet.' light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email "Dirty?" road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, obstinate." just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the frequently gained my first real insight into the character of "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he enter Dr. Roylott's room." wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then "Oh, the cause is excellent!" photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. crowd. "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's Young McCarthy must be got off, however." "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, horse could go." tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was until night should bring an explanation. have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he "'Oh, no.' "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I delighted to hear it," he said. quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and "'Never.' "The best possible." "I beg pardon." have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. better grown goose." and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody sofa. This way, please!" exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to the station." across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an "Then, as to money?" some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between business came to an end." "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are to-night?" I asked. chemical work which was so dear to him. I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always throat." He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." "Witness: It was. "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up "Then you may be so with me." Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been your sleep?' 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know the coroner come to?" there." strong reason behind." "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. "My dear Holmes!" "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may of campaign. over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to "Precisely." "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence Young McCarthy must be got off, however." I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "'Yes, I promise.' truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the "Yes, there are nearly always some there." the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative joking. breakfast." manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, have had none more fantastic than this." he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to "What is it?" the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He matter." the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked have established a very serious case against the son of the were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without definite end. gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he "Who was the criminal, then?" after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot be. was shining brightly. "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows constraint." "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always "On the contrary, this is the right side." who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good lumber-room." VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." look dissatisfied." the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "Precisely." and all of them with the keenest interest. aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the perplexity from it to my illustrious client. Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind country, and eventually married, without anyone having a "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down cheerful." direction." France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon sake, don't!" daring than any effort of the imagination." Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I said he at last. real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they "Because he was handy and would come cheap." clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I tell me that you intended to go into harness." logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own lost his Christmas dinner." saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his "Certainly." you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be Street. of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is approach us with offers to donate. like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. IS drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close "I guessed as much." hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me charged with?" from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a one else, I think." which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' "My stepfather's business papers." its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of "His face fell immediately. "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this father's young wife. affair. it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see right! Sit down and let us talk it over." has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm 'please.'" front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." placed his cuttings. might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should front of me. appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. "Proceed, then." "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no things are very often connected not with the larger but with the collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an "But she will refuse." "But his lameness?" writer." Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with power." here." absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely it." sparkled upon his finger. collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all "What I expected to see." black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. the nursery. "'Most admirably.' fuss that is made over them." bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would he died? higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on were wasted." he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, "That is possible." certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of later, upon the night of May 2nd." bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, "But what will you do?" neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, "It goes to the housekeeper's room." better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. considering the formidable letters which were received by himself and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good infinite languor in his face. conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all of the vacancies.' Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent ceremony." and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both know that the truth is known." Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in "Ample." through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time Henry Baker is a member." opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is "If so, much may have happened between." light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer "I don't say that. Perhaps." very morning of my second wedding." room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope Cross for the Continent." "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you now. It seems that there had been some informality about their of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether there was no need for father to know." fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the "By no means." which it had come upon my father." Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you to me. that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from burst into a hearty fit of laughter. "But how could you guess what the motive was?" held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had Street. XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation placed his cuttings. so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, conclusions. One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was "Did your wife hear all this?" "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. "Nor running a chance of arrest?" "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the "Witness: I must still refuse. I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a DISSOLVED. thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast "About a month then." stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where "Yes." The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When "Very much so." companion quietly. It may be so in this case, also." corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the tell them apart.' warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate before the coroner and the police-court." orange pips. or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "Yes, at the mines." "In answer to an advertisement." "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master "Can I be of assistance?" possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police upon the white wrist. Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his good for you to do.' yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy and I shall be with you presently." sentimental considerations in the background which would induce direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too you." are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of "By no means." moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the During two years I have had three consultations and one small straighten it?" "What! Had he lost his wife?" the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much conduct the inquiry." girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your my friend's incisive reasoning. I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to if she died from some sudden fright." matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of some mystery and the punishment of some crime." force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been second." every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and four million human beings all jostling each other within the young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched "But you can know nothing of this?" himself. even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and telegram would bring me down to your help." "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." "Well, some hundreds of times." "But to whom?" contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing "And how did you verify them?" "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, morning." British peeress.'"