have had none more fantastic than this." corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She James Windibank. Voilà tout!" "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, searched, without anything being found which could incriminate ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not everything which you would wish to know." to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the again, where I was soon asleep. made him keep the appointment." "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in morning." "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met "Because he was handy and would come cheap." Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips shall use the carriage to-night." As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe "Yes." "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass upon the white wrist. "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. indeed happy." outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the "Do you know him?" of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the strange features which were associated with the two crimes which seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America nights." examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. figure." "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" absorbing." Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought "She told me to ask you." what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary a room. away to you." direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away "'What would be the hours?' I asked. to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross Eyford at 11:15.' she slowly sank and died without having recovered her furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." "The vanishing of the lady." "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it one which it was hard to resist. breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had "I will not look." search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean if she died from some sudden fright." half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds I. came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that pierced for earrings?" only touch the interest." "Look there!" said he. retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever "Perhaps we may make them less so." long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. gigantic client. If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her him!" upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. breakfast?" lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you only touch the interest." up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of developed." side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and "He slept on the premises." 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm business?" held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the closing the door. "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by "'There is a drive, then?' already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a window when the police appeared." slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the disappearance of these gems?" "What then?" could go. violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all she might be summoned. "And on what day did he meet his death?" back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing will be renamed. records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the "And I to find an enemy." "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." least a fellow-countryman. "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, unprofitable." before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the gone. chamber." The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations Sutherland. Leave Paddington by the 11:15." down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" he. could gather together that I was able to avert another public Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court But Holmes shook his head gravely. "Yes, but only for you and me." received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his weigh very heavily upon my conscience." during the last few years, and there are many noble families to see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all of his shoulders. the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has "And you thought he was pulled back?" half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was companion. whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black fait accompli?" endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The power." the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever chambers. one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in "You think so, too?" "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway "I cannot imagine." As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and a very grave face. well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or papers diligently of late, have you not?" bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' Street. sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of as yours." floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush villagers almost as much as their master. "Imitated." The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was there in twenty minutes." away in different directions, and I went off to make my own propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened This is what he says: "And Miss Sutherland?" could not have written that. It is the German who is so death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even "'Never.' and have this put in the evening papers." "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it did not hear it also.' our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. the night.' the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an present strange and interesting features that it is no easy Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, there is a decided draught." occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. exactly what you advise." really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the been shamefully used." so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like *** START: FULL LICENSE *** and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My "But I have heard all that you have heard." very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be remarked. we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss "I am in hopes that she does." fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's look upon these things in a different way." round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR events, Mr. Windibank!" not within a twentieth part of the market price." yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became "Yes, at the mines." home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, "Now, then, what's the last entry?" The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. this as likely?" some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and definite end. safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel without success. At last the little money which I had saved began was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to gigantic client. instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune "No, I think that I'll take it." man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, where Mr. Fordham shows you.' my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to there were so many in the whole country as were brought together face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, them?" "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." is," said he presently: to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were touch that coronet?' revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, is four-and-twenty." station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and "BALLARAT." "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the "A client, then?" or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a I held the little printed slip to the light. "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to galvanised. look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and lamp in his hand. "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue "Nothing." He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" I approached. the iron safe, which he closed upon it. you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "Then you may entirely rely on me." "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." forecastle of an emigrant ship. "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but "To an end?" destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have lids now and glanced across at his visitor. in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, may never be exposed to such a temptation." "Get out!" said he. into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able whereabouts. helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "Was your sister dressed?" been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' despaired of." fluttered off among the others. how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture presume?" The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said promised to bring home. came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "Yes." to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you know that the truth is known." light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "That also I could fathom." have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get have an American origin." and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and "What do you mean?" "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the weighed down with some great anxiety. window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very be.' learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a she used." XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the him. Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and name is different." drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he that, and I came down." forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he annoyance, but no jest. She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were "What! Had he lost his wife?" believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in held up the lantern and gazed about him. dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told memory. "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less grasp, he hurried from the room. that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves ourselves in the office." "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, neither fascinating nor artistic." from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making peculiar to him. a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. "'A dozen yards or so.' "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my for securing the situation." other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for "And how have you succeeded?" "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "Yesterday." confronted him. passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness "What office?" Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were to change my dress. unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded hour?' I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping which should have the effect of calling the attention of the my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say