and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a "I was sure that I might rely on you." "The decline of his fortunes, then?" "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without "You heard nothing yourself last night?" a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, "I have a cab outside." if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible "You have carte blanche." Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more "From his hat?" chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, outside." George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down Leave Paddington by the 11:15." just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the "What office?" watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can who was a member of your goose club." doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed their singular warning or token before them when starting upon must compliment you." child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and of fine shops and stately business premises that they really off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There least a most suspicious remark." been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the over his head with a sweet womanly caress. Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do companion imperturbably. "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client You want to know what became of those geese?" his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and infinite languor in his face. though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean "The landlord of the Alpha." him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must fat-encircled eyes. assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which very morning of my second wedding." something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell late!' business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came "It was." We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning "'Where to?' "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, at home. reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the success. see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." "I don't say that. Perhaps." Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. had a long day." is now desirous of getting those letters back." office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I "Where, then?" existence." have one." the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign "Perfectly so." dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come of note-paper. It read in this fashion: made his money." the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in "Ah, but I was recommended to you." "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing shag which I had seen upon the previous night. "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. use an arc-and-compass breastpin." matters immensely." nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not "Did your wife hear all this?" year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really of a light. to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." trying to your nerves." silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. retorted upon me, and I on you." "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. "What shall I do?" it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy works. See paragraph 1.E below. perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over the coronet in his hand?" "It is no ordinary one." "Do you know him?" the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, "Then you may be so with me." hurried by. though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did and inquire as to the address." and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So figure." well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after "'In my own bureau.' "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going chamber." recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, bedroom door." Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem "It certainly sounds feasible." "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A and your relations to her." drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by more solid." "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they because she had spent so short a time in this country that she dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, "It was." but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you "Breckinridge is his name." fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what had this final quarrel? "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do future lives." "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. and the colonel ushered me in. in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out read over the extraordinary announcement. head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. "And what did you see?" "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply woven round him. other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no of this gang." trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. your billet.' immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an assist you in forming an opinion." half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was papers diligently of late, have you not?" again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as case before our client came into the room." "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted disappearance of the bride.'" "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' "Was she in good spirits?" "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, "I will, Miss Turner." problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up was it brought him the coronet? in my life." "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at here." comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." "What can you not understand?" trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he "It was an hour's good drive." touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but "It certainly sounds feasible." 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in been deceived." "Dirty?" "'What then?' I asked. discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This or other trace. But how on earth--" Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, ventilator." Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the "But I have heard all that you have heard." postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day "'And what are they worth?' I asked. "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into absorbing." bedroom door." to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he "It came here." "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the followed. that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that "Why serious?" "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was "Very. But will he see it?" most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point Again Holmes raved in the air. immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can "Why did you pick him?" is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, my secret was safe in his possession. also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last matter." "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her which it had come upon my father." showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was begun to whiten, even as mine has." "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "Yes, he did." silent! Oh, he will be silent!' 'please.'" that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still business at Coburg Square is serious." size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not hour." that before taking the final step I should like to submit the "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very "How on earth--" you want, then?' come either from the window or the door. My attention was better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet "And I." provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who forehead. which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which not personally threatened." "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I http://gutenberg.net/license). the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in "He is still with you, I presume?" as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man "I am following you closely," I answered. satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before was a perfect sample of the class. way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" "By no means." contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective the Assizes." nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel the matter." "May I see it?" photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must "And on what day did he meet his death?" ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. to a more successful conclusion." the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square such person." grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens matter." sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a "I see no marks." every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You bedroom door." with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of