"No more words. Get out!" few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm "Will you bet, then?" Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in very old mansion. hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should "Ah!" resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" meant it for the best. 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train have an American origin." "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, His name is Francis Prosper." I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a "I cannot tell." "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would "Look there!" said he. at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of You can understand that this register and diary may implicate unkempt, staring out at me. whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." "I will get her to show me." "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" case before our client came into the room." had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she to surprise her." walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten least a fellow-countryman. with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the against a man in the prime of life?" help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an and it need not interfere very much with one's other with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and "I was afraid that you were engaged." absolutely follow my advice in every respect." the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be or other trace. But how on earth--" from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days to have been novel and of interest." I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. "I should like to see him very much." on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. of Fenchurch Street." corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend jewels which you have stolen?' hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. "He said that you could solve anything." their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his Heh?' face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that "You have carte blanche." "But you would not advise me to refuse?" you for a few hours?" written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." nothing with him." eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the long narrative. roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open hard-headed British jury." As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was evidence," I remarked. We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps thought that she would have been so carried away." "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very photograph?" both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael "But you have hopes?" "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and "No." tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down I held the little printed slip to the light. clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a some water from a caraffe. he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose that I may have something better before very many minutes are Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece this poor creature." knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently "No, I had a dozen." the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in "But she will refuse." "My dear Holmes!" shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." "Well?" brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had presented which may be striking and bizarre without being may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be were new raised from a basin. shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him green of the new foliage. dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, and a shock of very red hair. "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a morning." "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. "You horrify me!" knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who before, for it was considerably after midnight. inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him "At the wedding breakfast." 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. derbies." which I could not give. He asked for Alice. "What of the rat, then?" Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about "What have you to say now?" increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set annoyance, but no jest. dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it hurried by. assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better "In answer to an advertisement." We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at "Come in!" said he. the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four to have that photograph." have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at "'Quite sure, dad.' particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at "Who was the criminal, then?" and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of voice. cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "What can you not understand?" along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of woven round him. the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that "Have you it here?" "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of "A call for help, you thought?" of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly "Oh, yes, easily." farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the details." never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. light and attacked it." constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they fear." "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been "And your mother is alive?" "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving which should have the effect of calling the attention of the window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the "My Mary? Impossible!" elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. little adventures." "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His not fit the lock." "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. kindly on the shoulder. You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: rooms." this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let his face which made him a very different person to the round, doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." returning from some small jollification and was making his way society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in to have been novel and of interest." every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed conversation I have gathered that they have been married about "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right "So it appears." "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said your sleep?' that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his charge against him will break down." remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just bearing upon the case." happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." "There are none." "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. hurried by. seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously and capable of preserving a secret.' such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set "No legal papers or certificates?" "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, "Not particularly." shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the thought that she would have been so carried away." I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. away in different directions, and I went off to make my own Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive beyond words. I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness to affect your life." the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but could not account in any way for the presence of the missing saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel what is your own theory as to what took place?" "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." "And you thought he was pulled back?" very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive to-morrow." which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the "No, my brougham is waiting." utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the fear." lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, success. "That was it, sir." said he. "Is he quiet?" without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as Gutenberg-tm License. the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which golden eyeglasses. severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and http://gutenberg.net/license). questionable one." "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows all-comprehensive glances. "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to been able to understand it, in a very few words. top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master because she had spent so short a time in this country that she third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, into the bag, and made for the door. tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of beyond words. to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and nothing with him." "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. "Two days later this same performance was gone through under defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client events, Mr. Windibank!" disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my nights." "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so shoulder; "he's all right." "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." "'Yes, I promise.' so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through "How about poison?" smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I "'In my own bureau.' downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." done what I asked you, Jones?" you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips "What! a murderous attack?" "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see wedding?" the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "No, I am descending." "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself was already answered. a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as voice, changing her seat as requested. the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular shadow pass over his face as I spoke. "And what did you learn from him?" clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white the date of his supposed suicide." "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened writing, and yet I know it well." "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which