that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and his cane at the bell-pull. fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk direction." it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, "It is solved." "And what did you see?" to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a "You'll never persuade me to believe that." "Yes. He waved his hands." light and attacked it." not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the good for you to do.' destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium "'Where to?' While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we wedding?" bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was "I saw her in conversation with her maid." "She will not sell." fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they Street. his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who "Dirty?" "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was "No, I had a dozen." young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up burst out into a roar of laughter. monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then yourselves in at night?" "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. "'Quite sure, dad.' remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in there were one or two details which were new to me. But the smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the down. charged with?" education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and "That also I could fathom." "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The will take you up to see the machine.' to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding "Then I shall certainly come." by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the "'What then?' I asked. key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the "Awake, Watson?" he asked. loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for appeared upon the scene." "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester obstinate." address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" Street. and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning events than those which have happened in my own family." We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of me what he had done with the three missing stones. refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew public press." been shamefully used." unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to it." Heh?' dear old homesteads?" sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "I have my revolver," said I. 11:15.' seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other "'What, the red-headed man?' feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution "'Where to?' "But his lameness?" interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting DISSOLVED. already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." "No good news?" fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was arrangements." "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they You want to know what became of those geese?" buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves she to prove their authenticity?" "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly results." pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I "Nearly eleven." upon the white wrist. prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, I took the paper from him and read as follows: me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little a little more before I quite committed myself. "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the learned something! Where are the gems?" it." it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, "My own seal." SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. like that before?" Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew that I am arrested." came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his "But how?" he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' fled together." comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. deduce something from that?" attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. Eyford." "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped gentleman's clothes. this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some records." "I guessed as much." hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which least a fellow-countryman. taking in every detail of the apartment. village inn over there?" revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a "I see many objections to any such theory." "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray instituted." to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he "'What then?' I asked. black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something past. "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." "How did you trace it, then?" "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. "Never." "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action placed his cuttings. Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so read it out to me." habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. "He said too much." a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the past. terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in gigantic client. have had none more fantastic than this." moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring bell. Holmes whistled. vague figure huddled up in the darkness. few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you "Yes, but only for you and me." has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight them present such singular features as the strange train of the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the in the hope of finding them." Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began "That sounds a little paradoxical." to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall "Was the window open?" There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw "'In my own bureau.' "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she touch that coronet?' "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter begun to whiten, even as mine has." saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." "It is possible." with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, tension within him. Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since and prosperity to your house. Good-night." should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has I held the little printed slip to the light. seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a cause to be." woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout nonsense.' "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another compunction about shooting them down." "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the the inquest, and which are worth considering." could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his "Perhaps I have." bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an could not account in any way for the presence of the missing what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most mysterious business." swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" speckled band?" convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade "'About the same.' corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the desk. Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your Dr. Gregory B. Newby "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. silent! Oh, he will be silent!' visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his and put his glass in his pocket. taking in every detail of the apartment. study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "Why serious?" "It is no ordinary one." Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and forecastle of an emigrant ship. "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This "You are hungry," I remarked. and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, Surrey." from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported daring than any effort of the imagination." "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. "Very well, sir. And this stone?" "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old McCarthy." "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country ordinary clothes on?" gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but together. "'And what are they worth?' I asked. time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question if only as a check to my own memory." as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and Leadenhall Street--and--" exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not were wasted." play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and "Here?" promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even there in twenty minutes." "So I heard. You have him here?" The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear "In what way?" asked Holmes. read over the extraordinary announcement. reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his next day. pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his "'Certainly not. But why?' bell. Holmes whistled. This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless the iron safe, which he closed upon it. has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms do." had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and away in different directions, and I went off to make my own "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me strange features which were associated with the two crimes which appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, "'Not at all. I only doubt--' make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary opened a pocket-book and took out a note. I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind floor. practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very manager. "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an where we are going." time." "But you have hopes?" offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter the iron safe, which he closed upon it. firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. this remarkable episode. instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." lips." each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to "Yes." eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars,