knowledge of the world." step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous child?' of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute could gather together that I was able to avert another public get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I "You are certainly joking, Holmes." "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the "No sign of it?" but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both coroner's jury." second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. "You are hungry," I remarked. push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my "I see many objections to any such theory." opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is said he. though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of upon the sideboard." little adventures." gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your have had none more fantastic than this." away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it carried out of court." yourselves in at night?" years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father Eyford." then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the in the port of London." characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from next day. them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll meant." my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his "Your French gold?" called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such guilty one." round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is asked with his eyes open. the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose your only hope of safety." "What have you done?" asked Holmes. low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the his forehead." few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I said he. favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders point in the dark hollow of his hand. foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and held up the lantern and gazed about him. "The landlord of the Alpha." then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her papers must be those that are destroyed.' which it had come upon my father." it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." any more." how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated should be so warm over such a trifle." seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when in your London, you will know that the office of the company is The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at conduct the inquiry." seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, it." To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the Arthur Conan Doyle "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but business came to an end." am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I "At the wedding breakfast." to-morrow." her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the "Were they all fastened this morning?" "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in "Yes. He waved his hands." and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should Have you good authority for what you say?" never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, the armchair which I pushed forward for him. there were so many in the whole country as were brought together year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the highly," said Holmes. showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have dramatic, in fact." "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a that you wished to speak to me?' could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your wife's character?" strength." eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin disappearance of these gems?" "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. friends, not even his own brother. the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to spare." "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men "By no means." and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard "But his left-handedness." which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were again on its way. arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" "A greater distance to travel." the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you "I have a cab outside." pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over seven miles from Eyford Station.' halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation "It is very clear." "You horrify me!" the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he reach." "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." was a lad." face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a charge against him will break down." adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of possible that we could bring him back to her? "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if "But you have hopes?" as the one I chose?' I nodded again. The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. shoulder; "he's all right." "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very "Always." Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter note?" how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that only touch the interest." unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, without success. At last the little money which I had saved began Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as asked. At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, criminal. We have already had experience of such." charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel three of the beryls in it, was missing. "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a quite distinctive." and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, "Because he was handy and would come cheap." "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and his eyes and forehead. Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with is four-and-twenty." floor. always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress III. "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally "But he might be a bachelor." "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to learned something! Where are the gems?" ill-usage at the hands of fortune. to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the already referred to. returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all This is what he says: which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed "Who by?" can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a "No." "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon really the only notable feature about the thing." "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not "And now?" I asked. shall use the carriage to-night." the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his Pope's Court. chemical work which was so dear to him. and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." "'Certainly not. But why?' of the efforts of the United States government and of the better I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt away in different directions, and I went off to make my own groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his newspaper selections." "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or that he will be back before evening." taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of "And now?" He raised his hand. copied or distributed: Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to union?" "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few were new raised from a basin. others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we the coronet at all injured?" of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to simple cases which are so extremely difficult." conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a "And the cigar-holder?" and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. to arrive at through this?" highroad, where all traces were lost. reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my passage and a tap at the door. ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a made his money." hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you his knees, staring into the fire. practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The "And I." hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and "Witness: I must still refuse. way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." not interfere, come what may. You understand?" the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to fashion which was peculiar to him. a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured tail." could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of looking up at the numbers of the houses." dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the "But how did you gain them?" despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the garden below. Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have The summons was a brief and urgent one. "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general "I was afraid that you were engaged." the devil!" What do you deduce from it?" Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a enter Dr. Roylott's room." Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. "'Is 4 pounds a week.' "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the Street. classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back was not a bird to be seen there. thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. during the last few years, and there are many noble families to Sholtos." "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, "So it appears." metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "My opinion is in no way altered." card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call despair." London for the present?" at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in absorbing." "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "Yes." that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" "No sign of it?" roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and kindly on the shoulder. reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty that threaten you." "No more words. Get out!" Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets what I may call a really hard day's work." "I am following you closely," I answered. "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which "I saw her in conversation with her maid." for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you present." being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear "Was he the only applicant?" he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do most interesting one." abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain Pool. Arthur Conan Doyle allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "But it has twice been burgled." "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that "How many? I don't know." very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had "How do you know, then?" nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the have accepted such a situation. "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg been anything against him. He had for years been known as a "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time