"'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would "I cannot think." whether it answered to the description of any of their "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with despaired of." as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in writers could invent nothing more crude." money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric sofa. This way, please!" small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and to go into your room and bar your shutters?" with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us any more." far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. allusion to a rat. minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the heavily into it. the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon shoulder. the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." becomes even more simple." inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable "Pray do so." conclusions. the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, "Why, what do you mean?" "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even "Where, indeed?" "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him your billet.' "Pray let us have it, for all that." formed some opinion?" itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in "Eh? What was that?" "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it awkward doing business with an alias." help us in this matter." from the brougham. reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my "Where, indeed?" "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have directors have had misgivings upon the subject." "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH it." would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little with you alone." "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." of fine shops and stately business premises that they really be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table child?' seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural "Then the page we have seen--" "I was sure that I might rely on you." In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we "One horse?" interjected Holmes. "Two days later this same performance was gone through under would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear "I should like to see him very much." companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and nights." age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged "Has he come with you to-night?" "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, "Imitated." to some other building. "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. knowledge of the world." "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, in a very precise fashion." "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one there when the Rucastles went away." "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. province." Lee, in the county of Kent." outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his particular state visit http://pglaf.org bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he towards the blaze. but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress meant." They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary I shall continue with my miserable story. "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how "Was there a secret marriage?" "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three be.' that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a "Bought." "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? in the port of London." He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of one's self under obligations.' the night.' "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire Sutherland?" "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, "No." again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between "I have seen the police." name is different." butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, the running down." "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, "'Ample.' of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. thirty. companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. might have a private word with us. beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter name is different." held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." had no one to advise her at such a crisis." ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood DAMAGE. borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a "It is true that I have been generally successful." dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." indeed which he could not unravel. Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." Watson," he said cordially. It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his indeed happy." why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the burst into a hearty fit of laughter. than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off congratulate you again." "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. "You forget that I know nothing about it." opportunities to fix the problem. get the tickets." better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. shaken than I had ever seen him. The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side eavesdroppers?' "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged chambers. to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. could not have written that. It is the German who is so at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The but preventing her from injuring another. "And how?" sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. likely to be some crony of the landlady's." thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could "Was she in good spirits?" fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her yourselves in at night?" slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. quickly through a disagreeable task. Farm upon the left." comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet noble correspondent could be. nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We was keenly on my guard against him. was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, and looked back. seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were "I will do it." from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" if only as a check to my own memory." three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I hour?' Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to seen the man in the road." absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely second." Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed Sutherland. garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I to tackle the facts." I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here with frightened eyes at his accuser. far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, you." very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you "And for present expenses?" lids now and glanced across at his visitor. a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with true." train.' I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a "Not I." and no precautions can guard against." "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant "'Yes.' "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and future lives." very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after keep the flames under. "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, orange pips. first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close woman." "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear off." can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant question," said Holmes, smiling. that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell "'Where to?' up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and several quiet little villages up there." wife's character?" and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be Surrey." expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to fuss that is made over them." each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for I shall communicate with you." engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "I think that it is very probable." refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert the armchair which I pushed forward for him. am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the again, where I was soon asleep. desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of to surprise her." somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little started for the Temple to see my husband. for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. are, and they are waiting for us." be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which "'As governess?' "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the there in twenty minutes." "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent is," said he presently: mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he brain must have something in it." showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it prisoner's face. suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy "I will get her to show me." which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' one else, I think." since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly has little to do with my story." from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment "This photograph!" evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, "I see no marks." back to my heart. out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." "I was sure that I might rely on you." "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what other means.' that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend again, where I was soon asleep. "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur and all of them with the keenest interest. which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy "How long did she speak to this Alice?" no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year "None. Neville wrote those words." your most interesting statement." headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic system of imprisonment?" from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." opened the door, and slipped through. points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment