very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have "But you would not advise me to refuse?" way in everything. value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his "When did it break out?" misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that has little to do with my story." than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you in him." "'What would be the hours?' I asked. generous with you in money matters.' which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden hard-headed British jury." "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I "I was certainly surprised to find you there." the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" he. It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most "Well, some hundreds of times." previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front very morning of my second wedding." "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the and laid it on the table. lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long "And I to find an enemy." "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best not within a twentieth part of the market price." unclasping of his long thin hands. done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. bare slabs of marble. and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that from you?" have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six what I may call a really hard day's work." dates and names. "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future to change my dress. easy-going way." you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, "You saw the ventilator, too?" pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, "Awake, Watson?" he asked. "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must the inquest, and which are worth considering." creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in call for protection in the marriage market, for the present trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for him. I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend Sutherland. grasp, he hurried from the room. league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." said Mr. Holder. ways including including checks, online payments and credit card allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." "Have you her photograph?" "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more what do you think they found in the pockets?" "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, "What then?" more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on "But his left-handedness." volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that "The knees of his trousers." sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could just ask you whether you had heard it.' that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able "No. What a strange idea!" companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret matter over." to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the "And sit in the dark?" we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. the dangers which encompass me." what is your own theory as to what took place?" month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed desk. furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by address. appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are occupations.' was feeling which was the fattest.' hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a whole matter to your consideration." "If so, much may have happened between." remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and gives a meaning to it." was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "How do you know, then?" more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." best detective that ever lived. prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for "He slept on the premises." bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King this remarkable episode. my secret was safe in his possession. speckled band?" possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters gone before you can get him to hospital." following enigmatical notices: held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. "Where is it, then?" downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets before the coroner and the police-court." headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': wife's character?" he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who waste of energy." by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that the little opening for the ventilator is." exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements "What?" strength of mind to control. ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn never came back." Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no hands. gone. interests were the same as his." The police have openly confessed that they can at present make the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time been deceived." occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits Henry Baker is a member." gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." nonsense.' was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and in a friendly supper." Clair, of Lee." Miss Holder?" acted in my house last night?" "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the the matter?" goes." of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, round and wave him away like that.' again before evening." freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a "How about poison?" question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass Leadenhall Street--and--" beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which case before our client came into the room." hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg relation between them, and what the object of his repeated upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that "That is easily got." been with you?" tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at "What do you make of that, Watson?" "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what "Was there a secret marriage?" ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY Holmes." inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His to a more successful conclusion." "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" This is what he says: warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. the date of his supposed suicide." web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought something of him before." We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I "I am in hopes that she does." prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he Lestrade of Scotland Yard." to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must the warnings." her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if "Won't it ring?" "There are none." that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "Where is it, then?" read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a place, I think that there is good ground to think that the and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with highly," said Holmes. with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its the running down." as noiselessly as she had come. "I should wish to." to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare "Did you become engaged then?" "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his compunction about shooting them down." "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and where we are going." were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the "Where, then, is my wife?" however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found of campaign. stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how "Certainly, madam." at home. "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining fait accompli?" sneer upon his pale face. music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident 1.F. "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he brought there to personate someone, and the real person is "I will not look." husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to the general public were present, then?" preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you to me. the side-table." "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." of." distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment points in connection with it which never have been, and probably very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; "I promise," said Holmes. "To an end?" Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "'What, the red-headed man?' intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the infinite languor in his face. have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." annoyance, but no jest. "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" "I am about to be married." established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a and all of them with the keenest interest. Stoke Moran." and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be The summons was a brief and urgent one. even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come purpose of examination. VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE his wife has ceased to love him." that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." your own bird, so if you wish--" and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. "You have but to name it." you." recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close again on its way. "She will not sell." "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I lectures into a series of tales." seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have "What of the rat, then?" come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you way in." room. double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, horse could go." last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room I nodded again. seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post "She told me to ask you." "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of "Here?" now. It seems that there had been some informality about their reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right round with crates and massive boxes. my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his power." remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he "What!" he roared. always that they were such commands as a lady might with "And did you observe any change in her then?" to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass