"What of this 'Cooee!' then?" daring than any effort of the imagination." moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." "'Yes, sir.' "'I am sure if I had known--' XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his see a sister of mine apply for." been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. was once confined in the cab my mission was practically wedding?" Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile ways including including checks, online payments and credit card he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" "None." the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it "No, my brougham is waiting." "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, back into the street. informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not at my own good fortune. entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window attention." "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat directors, with the result that you have seen." "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to information in his hands the value of which he did not himself emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a Street. her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that maid will bring up your coffee." very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very "And how?" fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for be best to do. he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong this unhappy family?" found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project and inquire as to the address." soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, "Then what has happened to him?" As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped strode off upon his way. civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the have an American origin." with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to "I am following you closely," I answered. believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with purpose of examination. bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, the nursery. three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were whether it answered to the description of any of their the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I the so-precious time, but come!' details." the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There next day. Serpentine Avenue. Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by "The knees of his trousers." seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave I approached. in his hands." uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." Lestrade of Scotland Yard." the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang chance." for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the "Yes, that is the Crown." "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was test if we have an answer to our advertisement." generous with you in money matters.' your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my pierced for earrings?" absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, I have it here in my museum." "And your mother is alive?" with her." "But of what society?" to-night's adventure." "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate Eyford at 11:15.' broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he extraordinary contortions. "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small "Witness: It was. which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an is four-and-twenty." Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer it. front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could later, upon the night of May 2nd." the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. "I am armed." already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we his wife has ceased to love him." horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. been shamefully used." "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw wall." halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable "ARAT," I read. abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but lost nothing by them." she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with even of instruction." will be renamed. from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were o'clock is it?" by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, "What do you mean?" maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch "It may not come to that," said Holmes. "'Quite sure, dad.' "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. "But how will you look?" "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That "Precisely so. But how--" appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the death." "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "It is his hat." until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was arms and began to sob in a high treble key. fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, bird of prey. is acting for the best. Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a the very letters. But what is this written above them?' him, that man would not have given me such complete information to take care of herself." "That was it, sir." alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the James Windibank. Voilà tout!" and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback that threaten you." What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "And Miss Sutherland?" have been better. It is all right." "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold "I say that I have solved it." Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it "I think that I had better go, Holmes." and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up "But the mystery?" "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue roused himself from his reverie. however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong any." my friend's incisive reasoning. to go into your room and bar your shutters?" of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where up this clue while it is still hot." very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" him." there were one or two details which were new to me. But the "And on what day did he meet his death?" "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. there!' like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into had a long day." rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his Doctor, of the paper and the date." him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." and shall probably return to London by the evening train." married her." "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis meanly of me." other, as fresh and trim as possible. reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility James Windibank. Voilà tout!" a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother the date of his supposed suicide." as noiselessly as she had come. signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her ways of our fellow-men." "Yes, they were peculiar boots." shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I "It is half-past ten now." until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his way in everything. hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their touch that coronet?' beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both noise which awoke you from your sleep?" St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more the tragedy. situation." furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between breakfast?" the bottom.' accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing I held the little printed slip to the light. what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen Holmes rather sternly. "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident down. analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the "Dirty?" about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the has little to do with my story." have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem "If I can be of use." searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. of the vacancies.' if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." hardly wander." making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the "You'll never persuade me to believe that." Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice singular points about the case. What did the police think of the beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie the little opening for the ventilator is." "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was of the efforts of the United States government and of the better might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the narrative." "Thank you. Pray proceed." We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. "I cannot say that I have." Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then investigation." "Why serious?" used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so of." or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. "What have you done?" asked Holmes. "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "How can you tell that?" reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you article?" standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter gives a meaning to it." "On the contrary, this is the right side." and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was "Will you bet, then?" some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss been anything against him. He had for years been known as a help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. "Then he might have called to you?" consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. chambers. of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's and effective." into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon "Certainly." points to suicide?" goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was "'Stolen!' he cried. "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of meant it for the best. him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or distinguish the words: "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her call you and give you the chance." "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked away in different directions, and I went off to make my own remarked. him." which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself