estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were "What then?" points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with "Absolutely?" weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and the driver. I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made "How often?" pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, or other trace. But how on earth--" two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a "But his lameness?" "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly "Well?" It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. to-night." "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one "Well, but China?" them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found "'Ten to two.' occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away unprofitable." and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon "And I." "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable said I. "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the a suggestive one." against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away "Then what has happened to him?" be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so recover the gem." better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the touch that coronet?' photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old useful material for showing traces. The double line a little "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the drawing your inferences." his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him night.' said he. with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and keep the flames under. shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable hardly wander." I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened Leadenhall Street--and--" the so-precious time, but come!' It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who with her." Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was "What I expected to see." beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a about. "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if really the only notable feature about the thing." arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well like that before?" Project Gutenberg-tm works. the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently "In the cells." It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by nights." borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he following enigmatical notices: we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey States. all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he for securing the situation." attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were new duties?' the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would both be extremely obliged.' to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would gigantic client. pound a week." followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical which we had just quitted. however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the place no limit on the sum I may draw." planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to your troubles." "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we house for five minutes.' afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. which was all perfectly true. weighed down with some great anxiety. Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," "Who by?" had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for "An enemy?" Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug his fortune, and I went back to pa. "I answered that I had not. the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, question. the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his horse could go." way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of business." "Where did you address your letters, then?" shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an hour." square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly was already answered. you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, my special province." idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the bill, which interests me deeply." these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet question you as to those details which seem to me to be most 'please.'" that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing the side-table." circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to money should be paid at once.' "The rest you will leave in our hands." Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a name is different." "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a absolutely follow my advice in every respect." "'Which dealer's?' This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled to-night." "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with whole matter to your consideration." took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and upon the sideboard." determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. it." the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the into the room. severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" went to the Alpha were town bred." loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you letters?" temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the "I have seen the police." "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he passage and a tap at the door. said Mr. Holder. directly by questioning you." nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six you." blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been returned to France?" to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of success. points in connection with it which never have been, and probably eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every "You horrify me!" hour?' family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a strode off upon his way. visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "What do you mean?" pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the bed dies. Does not that strike you?" were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the that I am arrested." nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. to me. the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called I leave." if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to call for protection in the marriage market, for the present my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of name is different." out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the delighted to hear it," he said. address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. felt the room to be a little close.' appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. papers." "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were the very letters. But what is this written above them?' Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." "And the cigar-holder?" also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the "Well." whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done "I have hopes." a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be through." "Bought." questioning and rather startled gaze. upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. been anything against him. He had for years been known as a test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a is now desirous of getting those letters back." which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" memory. said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. may never be exposed to such a temptation." mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." had died away into the silence from which it rose. away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which conversation I have gathered that they have been married about "No bad?" "Very. But will he see it?" could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, "I cannot as yet see any connection." "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" foresight and the moral retrogression?" "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to on re-entering her father's house?" that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had Where does the thing come from?' finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a directors, with the result that you have seen." "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "How many? I don't know." ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call I nodded to show that I had heard. stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the "That sounds a little paradoxical." some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." heavy and sharp instrument." master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by some terrible trap for her." to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." character. which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little thirty. "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat to-night." "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that "Then, how do you know?" process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "Then I am your man." several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with down. beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just the stable lane now." customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel most interesting one." 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must me what he had done with the three missing stones. of them has the shutters up.' obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned "'Most admirably.' Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own "Never." "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while disappearance of these gems?" "The gentleman I describe." and your relations to her." another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs "I promise," said Holmes. "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" could not account in any way for the presence of the missing national property. I was determined that the law should have its things are very often connected not with the larger but with the interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural posted to-day." "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I