careless servant girl?" stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any it. warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent despaired of." Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" for its centre. base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down and shall probably return to London by the evening train." the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been your own bird, so if you wish--" poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried "Do you know him?" said he at last. fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be said I. 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by woven round him. everything which you would wish to know." tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at learned something! Where are the gems?" a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about him!" the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy you." Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was wedding?" young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his "The doctor?" you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business that?' said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a "I am all attention, madam." protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the his face. as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. had picked up in the wood. not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott "The best possible." and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that shoulder; "he's all right." remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry the tragedy. of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he gbnewby@pglaf.org "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, if she died from some sudden fright." "To the police?" "What steps will you take?" I asked. even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch "Because he was handy and would come cheap." horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, "Here?" much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and "You have carte blanche." "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said "And on what day did he meet his death?" "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To completely overtopped every other consideration that we both lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." me where it went to?" and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell "What! a murderous attack?" "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" too. breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your and a shock of very red hair. is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then "What have you to say now?" family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel soul! here is her carriage at the door." "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook Munro.' back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. "Well, but China?" "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' is so. I know all about McCarthy." chemical work which was so dear to him. the loss of it. deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET over here." "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others as yours." Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of the very morning of the wedding." Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled You can understand that this register and diary may implicate and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with "And I say east," said my patient. age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of "Certainly." means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so place of silver." "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have noting anything else of interest. drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project "Because he was handy and would come cheap." springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these as noiselessly as she had come. sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we man. foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I for securing the situation." from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and and no precautions can guard against." Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had wedding?" touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. acquaintance?" one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across that there was nothing in it, after all." room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. the matter." details should find their way into the papers. Inspector breakfast." "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the meant." Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own becomes even more simple." "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. answered with a sidelong glance. it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs pictures, libraries, or plate. of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after It was close upon four before the door opened, and a consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a question you as to those details which seem to me to be most serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after his face. where she found matters as described by the last witness. eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the bell. Holmes whistled. as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other Holmes. together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. "But we can't all be." could go. going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the never came back." "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the you." to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." here." brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could "At what time?" "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. you." "'What do you call purely nominal?' glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this "Was the window open?" the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what presume?" comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." could not account in any way for the presence of the missing "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' "At the wedding breakfast." remarked. "Well?" master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in London for the present?" unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because "Pray do so." with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the woman." days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the "Yes." "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the "Will you go?" half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure "And you thought he was pulled back?" who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." "It is true that I have been generally successful." happened." "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to seven miles from Eyford Station.' "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend indiscretion." hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she "It surprised me." the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "The knees of his trousers." "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. I held the little printed slip to the light. as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to "By no means." look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would I am not easy in my mind about them." lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to shoulder; "he's all right." common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she purpose of examination. took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's whether it answered to the description of any of their The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the Leave Paddington by the 11:15." the stable lane now." stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great might have a private word with us. whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." "'I shall certainly be there.' fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, excitement. other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, notes," he said. drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back "It certainly sounds feasible." chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at "But how did you gain them?" though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing I think that I could be of assistance to you." works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to the south-west, I see." story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, "'What then?' I asked. opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" to talk it over. "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to "Where did you address your letters, then?" "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may "Not in a good cause." the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, of the way of danger. morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it voice. "From his hat?" there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did the stable lane now." "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I to where he stood hid behind the curtain. arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age "Dirty?" 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' this poor creature." We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent chemical work which was so dear to him. How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But "Have you her photograph?" "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so horse could go." statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she yourselves in at night?" it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner.