sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of "Was she in good spirits?" for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations "Nothing?" I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this said he, "my real name is James Ryder." public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a "Your presence might be invaluable." robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate "What! a murderous attack?" those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs vague figure huddled up in the darkness. fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you yourselves in at night?" As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the been with you?" God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same the inner apartment." will he say when he returns?" which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no will be renamed. excitement. "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over "And sit in the dark?" developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own in his hands." his face. nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a green of the new foliage. I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where "Frequently." where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To relief. livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt and wait." To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. for the market.' were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "'Quite sure, dad.' carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "You saw the ventilator, too?" it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what "It missed him, then?" "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master night.' said he. these bleak autumnal evenings." quick march!" has little to do with my story." dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was over with notes and figures. right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that long narrative. the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening best detective that ever lived. on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the "Do you know him?" "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." over here." know all about it," he snarled. During two years I have had three consultations and one small woman who has had her own way to make in the world. "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from behind me. lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man here." "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself the side-table." the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." we went to search for him, face downward in a little wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and is entirely a question of barometric pressure." I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide photograph?" free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my chemical work which was so dear to him. sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ the station." "She walked into the breakfast-room." IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old "No, thank goodness, she did not." human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up "But his left-handedness." which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must "Certainly." and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King "An enemy?" her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood gbnewby@pglaf.org Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given breakfast." to a light-house. lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the "Of what?" The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other asked. "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, "Thank you. And your address?" prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would minor matters until to-morrow." "Yes, it was twisted." "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended your equipment. help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London again before evening." luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to in this note: up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and opened a pocket-book and took out a note. great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on as he remarks, very much against the son." stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle night.' said he. on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged "Yesterday." upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from gigantic client. being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the power." inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and "'Is 4 pounds a week.' down. in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, bird of prey. was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." "Yes." our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. undoubtedly my uncle's." "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I have one." should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared which we had just quitted. Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, not as remarkable as your advertisement." rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, ashen face. cheerful." observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the "No, I am descending." wedding?" point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, in. done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. one which it was hard to resist. would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds most important business. It is probable that he will be away all interested in these little problems, and since you are good "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then tell me that you intended to go into harness." exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any shall not find me ungrateful." "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." "There are none." fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for "But we can't all be." "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened "I shall be delighted." fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend carriage. It was a chestnut." word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. case before our client came into the room." that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at views." making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a your most interesting statement." there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower "'And what salary do you ask?' this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had you." with some details as to your case." as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time points in connection with it which never have been, and probably stalked out of the room. "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain tassel actually lying upon the pillow. lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to fire. You quite follow me?" that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must "Yesterday." offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in "It certainly sounds feasible." but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but to change my dress. concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, "No, I think that I'll take it." when you have done it." investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce place of silver." observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend upon the sideboard." excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It side. "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to burst out into a roar of laughter. one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it she has been waylaid. There has been no result." of his shoulders. "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right together. neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And I am not easy in my mind about them." but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. "Yes." as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a reach." His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips "Then what has happened to him?" cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin "Deserted you?" the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. instincts rose up against that laugh. your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that his face which made him a very different person to the round, closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of lamp. now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much "Get out!" said he. enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small "It is possible." Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of tightly behind him. that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman corner of the building. even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. "To an end?" "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely "I cannot think." "Yes, only one." hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That "Look there!" said he. "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. His name is Francis Prosper." crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge own family. about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep correct than the official force." calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock you in yours." here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her "'Oh, no.' "Did you observe the colour?" that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. hurried by. the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in "In San Francisco, a year ago." Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of "'Ample.' gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely