"The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, "He slept on the premises." "This photograph!" minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the attention." Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time you for a few hours?" absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate this unhappy family?" passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark young Openshaw's." the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. "Upon what point?" certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in "I think that I had better go, Holmes." we went to search for him, face downward in a little retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from "Were they all fastened this morning?" company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on you?' responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you examine." End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by presume?" This is what he says: cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." outside." assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts strode off upon his way. I think that I could be of assistance to you." it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and shaken than I had ever seen him. in a friendly supper." sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's "Her father is very rich?" same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the "I will try. What is it?" my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at questionable one." Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and words came to my lips. "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or "What I expected to see." Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which "You have it, sir, just as it happened." a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel been shamefully used." careless servant girl?" heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" Holmes. tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter "It's nothing of the kind." "None." now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "Because he was handy and would come cheap." "I say it is." 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and locked." to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who disappearance of the bride.'" official police." his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy could go. "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. Foundation transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion had no one to advise her at such a crisis." happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found "But you were on a friendly footing?" I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been conduct the inquiry." Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the burst out into a roar of laughter. perplexity from it to my illustrious client. Eyford at 11:15.' "Will you go?" over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "And for present expenses?" called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it as yours." "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do head. So long, then!" at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect until night should bring an explanation. "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, "Not social, then?" far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side I took the paper from him and read as follows: were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it nothing with him." doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." and laid it on the table. clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and had picked up in the wood. Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to certainly do as you advise." investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as photograph?" Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning and wait." hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up neither fascinating nor artistic." "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us all that?" Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the papers." you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that or in danger--" door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a to a light-house. Arthur Conan Doyle the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it triumphant cloud from his cigarette. travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and "But his lameness?" this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, sneer upon his pale face. "I say that I have solved it." his wife has ceased to love him." "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very "I am sure." to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, call you and give you the chance." "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk relief. admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great happened." "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a me." all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend keep the flames under. "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock "No. His orders were to stay in the house." him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and "'Yes, I promise.' matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if you in yours." miles off. "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the http://gutenberg.net/license). the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his secret." so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low and prosperity to your house. Good-night." "I will not look." the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens friends, not even his own brother. the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be the very letters. But what is this written above them?' contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a bachelor.' eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman "Which are?" "Where did you address your letters, then?" "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out "Perhaps we may make them less so." slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! 11:15.' "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a "'Yes, I promise.' to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always "But she could not love him." actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been together. took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all "Nearly eleven." "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into excitement. "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded brain must have something in it." ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and detained." crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows up this clue while it is still hot." "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property woman." the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them Sholtos." from the brougham. house for five minutes.' than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important tension within him. sit on the left-hand side of the driver." "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was is now desirous of getting those letters back." battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering "And on what day did he meet his death?" the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much against a man in the prime of life?" Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. "I never have." wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of as he remarks, very much against the son." because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in locked. "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I "This concluded the examination of the witness." outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day persecution?" "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the husband's writing, madam." him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It him to go away.' towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham even of instruction." The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great evidence," I remarked. "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the as this. Pray let me have the details." Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the "My photograph." in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but said I. central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced business came to an end." and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some derbies." man. Sutherland?" with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the of the way of danger. "Can I be of assistance?" "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your some terrible trap for her." I. feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one meant it for the best. more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would gone before you can get him to hospital." It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but "Your presence might be invaluable." and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They "I came to find a friend." and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the "I will do it." them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I the window, rose as we entered. "Texas, I think." fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when directors, with the result that you have seen." and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin his knees, staring into the fire. Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his my room." McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in