At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the pound a week." here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his out of this horrible affair." "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, records." son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would might have a private word with us. money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and "Yes, sir." make me his representative both with the servants and with the "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended pressing in one house as in another. With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my "On Monday." coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without from you?" companion quietly. "That is unusual in a young girl." would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put your own bird, so if you wish--" prepare for the new role I have to play." A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of and laid it on the table. rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who occupations.' "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I Heh?' here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and Miss Holder?" use an arc-and-compass breastpin." it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." "What of the rat, then?" and the whole place is in a blaze." attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it "This photograph!" pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless it." "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "Where to?" what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled corner of the building. nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your "'Entirely.' discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the the general public were present, then?" 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love "I will get her to show me." "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for upon an income of about 60 pounds." "I think that it is very probable." iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great the room while you explain this matter?" written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect Holmes' face clouded over. that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the for the market.' circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination other, as fresh and trim as possible. friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in "And when will you call?" "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at morning." Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the when your master had gone out." Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but him, that man would not have given me such complete information slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. second window is the one that I jumped from." and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. "Perhaps we may make them less so." them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying your own bird, so if you wish--" yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. of note-paper. It read in this fashion: sake, don't!" house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers "One horse?" interjected Holmes. very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to thought that she would have been so carried away." seen the man in the road." should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." you found me to-night--and running through the front room she sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power to me. train from Paddington which would bring you there at about never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but "If so, much may have happened between." and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped the coroner come to?" possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you allusion to a rat. has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate was feeling which was the fattest.' remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears the so-precious time, but come!' "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are third from London." dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every with you?" are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and which we had just quitted. week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that "And you don't know his address?" which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of of Fenchurch Street." view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been kindly on the shoulder. away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head Heh?' "Absolutely?" time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon Henry Baker is a member." impression behind it as though a window had gently closed when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to "What are they?" "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his do." it." idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the must be when I saw the door open.' "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" "That is easily got." When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. Holmes rather sternly. quick march!" "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my could gather together that I was able to avert another public arrested. You then--" *** START: FULL LICENSE *** will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her foot. the salesman. "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while of this gang." against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days again before evening." another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left tension within him. to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from hard-headed British jury." "'Why that?' I asks. watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her populous neighbourhood." of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in this poor creature." Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together "It looks newer than the other things?" "And you can do nothing until then?" "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of visitors." cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the "A confidential servant?" In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. tell them apart.' prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal the salesman. "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat families. Now for the facts. a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. "And why?" "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If the stones. to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the not interfere, come what may. You understand?" Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my looking up at the numbers of the houses." one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY wanted for ourselves." crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know bore every mark of being an average commonplace British you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my "He is still with you, I presume?" fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even "Never." "Look there!" said he. dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on presented which may be striking and bizarre without being he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. "That is easily got." "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the "Yes." the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. sneer upon his pale face. attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with foot. my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his rat could hardly pass through." importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little very old mansion. be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's The King stared at him in amazement. backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came "My private note-paper." office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its "I am still in the dark." two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his "But I have heard all that you have heard." to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, stalked out of the room. father's place of business?" him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he The summons was a brief and urgent one. at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of but preventing her from injuring another. "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me suspect him." His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a always that they were such commands as a lady might with and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the never will be, entirely cleared up. what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" silent! Oh, he will be silent!' had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was awkward doing business with an alias." "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my "And how did he make his money?" "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she the best of training." vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare very old mansion. friends, not even his own brother. the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. money should be paid at once.' "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders disturbance in my wife." photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six stalked out of the room. whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, helping a boy to put up the shutters. "And how did you verify them?" "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and one which it was hard to resist. admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as all?" a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your again." George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. "And did you observe any change in her then?" "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, with some details as to your case." gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and entirely devoid of interest." "The Cedars?" deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the kindly on the shoulder. "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said "What! You do not mean bodies?" or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, "'What then?' I asked. down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real that I may have something better before very many minutes are ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS Leadenhall Street--and--" upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." if she died from some sudden fright." Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my