no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are questionable one." as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of notes," he said. Again Holmes raved in the air. I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that cause to be." "It is solved." upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," "What have you to say now?" "I will, Miss Turner." it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was hour." the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us be there in time for your coming." gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed "Because he was handy and would come cheap." low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the "'Is 4 pounds a week.' again before evening." insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one "No, I am descending." "And how in the world did you find them?" attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, bill, which interests me deeply." by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" to tackle the facts." grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and "And you thought he was pulled back?" steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative "Very truly yours, glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." "Pray do so." imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." papers." near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' "'What would be the hours?' I asked. drawing your inferences." been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford sit on the left-hand side of the driver." disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a Mrs. Toller serenely. sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any most important business. It is probable that he will be away all frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, said Mr. Holder. "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say "I warn you that they are very incomplete." you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, coroner's jury." leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. you." freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your make me his representative both with the servants and with the follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. detective. objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, your bag." 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works of fine shops and stately business premises that they really have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the "Yes. He waved his hands." together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I "Yes, sir." "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it dead, shall be safe with us." front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." very peculiar words of the dying woman?" my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came highly," said Holmes. coroner's jury." depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The residence of the great financier. keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, situation." the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could DAMAGE. "To the police?" put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass ago." "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry points to suicide?" insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather prepare for the new role I have to play." but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked outside. "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to villagers almost as much as their master. late!' Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, in the hope of finding them." "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, taking in every detail of the apartment. house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening "'I have heard so.' explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself colour had been driven from his face. "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." "To an English lawyer named Norton." might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest words came to my lips. until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the correct than the official force." "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or "And why in hopes?" with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive showing my impatience. each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the "Won't it ring?" "Yes." Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with "The decline of his fortunes, then?" I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be photograph?" these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" "I say that I have solved it." however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as "It certainly sounds feasible." every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began back alive. "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, presented more singular features than that which was associated somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my which it had come upon my father." afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the "And is that all?" "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she "Where did you address your letters, then?" events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in "Then what has happened to him?" you do it in twenty minutes!' Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been signal between you and your father? "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had situation." "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I very old mansion. fish-monger and a tide-waiter." Stoke Moran." the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but IS and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out "No sign of it?" come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that "'Why that?' I asks. "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at in his power. shoulder. was feeling which was the fattest.' weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical seen the man in the road." particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety tail." myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do question," said Holmes, smiling. warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. indeed which he could not unravel. or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. very peculiar words of the dying woman?" peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." garden below. murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening God! What an exposure! What can I do?" of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for "Come in!" said he. me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both as this. Pray let me have the details." silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever salesman. He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as your room." we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been "What steps will you take?" I asked. southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat my friend's incisive reasoning. succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What himself to hunt down. "9th. McCauley cleared. visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been sofa. This way, please!" chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with "'I am sure that I do not know.' surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my place no limit on the sum I may draw." from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's had this final quarrel? whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in that he will be back before evening." nice household for a young lady." that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "Yes." suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I intrusion of other matters." was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not to his chemical studies. 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. do.' scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost "Never." "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you three of the beryls in it, was missing. silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." rat could hardly pass through." business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact "How often?" quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do whatever might befall. child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of "Have you it here?" some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet the so-precious time, but come!' Holmes' thin, eager face. your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The tear off another piece?' misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless For additional contact information: at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and started for the Temple to see my husband. "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have key turn in the lock." signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we "Yes, that is the Crown." round and wave him away like that.' be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a shag which I had seen upon the previous night. his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" "I have come for advice." the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." "Quite so." suspect him." But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those where Mr. Fordham shows you.' repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass "And I." better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court case-book, which he consulted. was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." useful material for showing traces. The double line a little "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are residence of the great financier. to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce It may be so in this case, also." well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. the matter?" "My last client of the sort was a king." course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very "How did you trace it, then?" "Did he not advertise?" Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back and have this put in the evening papers." crime. connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a "Well." Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having future lives." Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event I took the paper from him and read as follows: arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and "Yes." "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your read it out to me." and looked back. over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house bedroom door." together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same chance at all." beyond words. you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great IS who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then "What steps will you take?" I asked. visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful "I think that it is very probable." their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, garden below. "No, thank goodness, she did not." cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door "Ah!" certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune bare slabs of marble. wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an I was concerned in it." better in every way that they should make their position a little "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was some place of shelter and let the county police know what has figure." "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in