favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of once more to my work. are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called night.' said he. surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and "My own seal." from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his "One?" of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric "About a month then." endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for not use it unless it is absolutely needed." star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I conceal it?" There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke "The Cedars?" to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of annoyance, but no jest. "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his "I was sure that I might rely on you." brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down away to you." again on its way. give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but "What office?" "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, "Yes, I have one waiting." "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried three of the beryls in it, was missing. "But how will you look?" sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the "In answer to an advertisement." "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in "That also I could fathom." ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and "It is very kind of you." to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing in a very precise fashion." "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he "How did he come?" this man was intellectual?" hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." "But you have hopes?" him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he "To the police?" to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate "What can you not understand?" business matters.' the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and "The vanishing of the lady." seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of "And what then?" believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord "Then what has happened to him?" Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my house for five minutes.' pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my acted in my house last night?" showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home "I do." knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. his wife has ceased to love him." "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in fish-monger and a tide-waiter." them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler singular points about the case. What did the police think of the "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. along the entire front of the house, with three long windows has little to do with my story." bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little client, rising. "One of the highest in England." located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him said he at last. that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple highly," said Holmes. "Imitated." row." accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw Henry Baker is a member." James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a drove away. "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent your bag." inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the "My private note-paper." "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It that I can to serve you." my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. come either from the window or the door. My attention was come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a "'Yes, sir.' "Pray continue your narrative." my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "'You doubt its value?' he asked. would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "What have you done?" asked Holmes. lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the row." Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work less than 26s. 4d. interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off hour." fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the we went to search for him, face downward in a little his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had clang of the bell. blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was recall any case within my experience which looked at the first sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed Count Von Kramm." "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I dear old homesteads?" My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method as yours." Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four then?" and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of friend's singular character. I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they "Nothing." "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly time." washing it down with a long draught of water. I am not easy in my mind about them." helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. wedding?" call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted "He slept on the premises." suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that "Yes. He waved his hands." of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she up this clue while it is still hot." horse could go." "No good news?" interests were the same as his." "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right do." "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say appointment with me for six o'clock?" outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET "It is a murder, then?" front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which your equipment. had formerly been in part my own. again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the to tackle the facts." family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is "Why did you beat the pavement?" are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled been anything against him. He had for years been known as a follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and "Then what has happened to him?" his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of "It was an hour's good drive." carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the the general public were present, then?" rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, "Tired-looking or fresh?" offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and "I cannot imagine." came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses to where he stood hid behind the curtain. was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity "A client, then?" at home. "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we that he will be back before evening." attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, seem to you to be relevant or not." it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and once more. over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good it." perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. that you wished to speak to me?' "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked "Pray do so." a monotonous occupation." SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. already referred to. would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the distance from the station, and there we found the young lady might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in "To an end?" dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of to take care of herself." morning." I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, went to the Alpha were town bred." hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than delighted to hear it," he said. professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your know all about it," he snarled. reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful chair. a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I her also." already been minutely examined." Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my "I know where it is." have an American origin." for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, think, you have already met." sufficient punishment." tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon most important business. It is probable that he will be away all without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face the stones. "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any third from London." "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a the so-precious time, but come!' "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in shall use the carriage to-night." "And when will you call?" "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. man. protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," done what I asked you, Jones?" it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your pressing in one house as in another. and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main furiously. about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at them, and came down just as you departed. XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to answer." redistribution. "You know me, then?" and that he would see to anything that turned up. preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my disappearance of the bride.'" good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "'Yes, but with my back towards it.'