told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag Leave Paddington by the 11:15." access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently as the one I chose?' "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in gentleman's clothes. the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face your bag." ways of our fellow-men." "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and "Your presence might be invaluable." "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "You think that he is dead?" power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly The events in question occurred in the early days of my to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I "Entirely." questionable one." "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "It is no ordinary one." obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this them?" "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "I never have." him!" did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal "Yes, they were peculiar boots." some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday "Always." opened the door, and slipped through. actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am the coronet at all injured?" are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be You can understand that this register and diary may implicate were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness were wasted." "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my come either from the window or the door. My attention was other means.' He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an know that the truth is known." met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" was once confined in the cab my mission was practically "It may not come to that," said Holmes. you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution get her out of the way." accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already without success. At last the little money which I had saved began it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of about here speaks of his kindness to him." had this final quarrel? where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with very peculiar words of the dying woman?" "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. papers on the sundial.'" and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the again before evening." his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a works. distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work me. reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but an introduction to him?" dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project "Yes, at the mines." "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the would apply.' man. that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish "From his hat?" Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the "Stolen, then." and have this put in the evening papers." that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was I think that I could be of assistance to you." pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize of campaign. "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "And help." my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and "A confidential servant?" "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a as the one I chose?' "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet entirely devoid of interest." Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should a suggestive one." me." bare slabs of marble. very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" morning." former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his directors have had misgivings upon the subject." Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a "I would give my fortune to have them back." would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger "I promise," said Holmes. because she had spent so short a time in this country that she object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know heavy and sharp instrument." branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, Count Von Kramm." eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their are, I think, all that we need." could not account in any way for the presence of the missing surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. there when the Rucastles went away." waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of dear old homesteads?" "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that "Two days later this same performance was gone through under Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the standing smiling on the door-step. wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. village inn over there?" yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest fashion which was peculiar to him. wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that strength." and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to "Will you go?" why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his "No." them, and came down just as you departed. twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall digesting their breakfasts at home." soul! here is her carriage at the door." lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' I held the little printed slip to the light. "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been think that any burglar could have done. "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. "Because he was handy and would come cheap." "But she could not love him." skylight. Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to green of the new foliage. lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated the Friday. Was it to be in church?" arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal about here speaks of his kindness to him." "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' "So I am. Very much so." row." bell. Holmes whistled. but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for there in twenty minutes." "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing "Which surely he restored to their owner?" the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. "Was the window open?" brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his Lestrade of Scotland Yard." ago." over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and in your London, you will know that the office of the company is should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. "But she will refuse." good for you to do.' "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "The knees of his trousers." it were putty." "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, "What steps will you take?" I asked. it." "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "No bad?" hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out "Was your sister dressed?" passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head "'Is 4 pounds a week.' "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that "You will not go there first?" to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried unkempt, staring out at me. address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "Yes, from Horsham." Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin "On Monday." the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' asked with his eyes open. held up the lantern and gazed about him. lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been like that before?" and your relations to her." station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet Young McCarthy must be got off, however." streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a goes." She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a money should be paid at once.' But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony excitement. these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since sparkled upon his finger. Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold "How many? I don't know." by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in "Because he was handy and would come cheap." pierced for earrings?" house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features "But of what society?" "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may "Have you it here?" "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and away to you." playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far "'I am sure that I do not know.' sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. letters?" "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may "'Which dealer's?' "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. your Highness to the police-station?" Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in "Yes, I have one waiting." which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us "The knees of his trousers." it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be "That was it, sir." upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax when your master had gone out." to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. "When did it break out?" appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. hardly wander." "The landlord of the Alpha." salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to stalked out of the room. Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt the house with me." little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was "But of what society?" lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." "And how did you verify them?" opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of opportunities to fix the problem. breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion is entirely a question of barometric pressure." allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried "Very well, sir. And this stone?" disappearance of these gems?" imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, "'No, I know no one in these parts.' This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, Chief Executive and Director will take you up to see the machine.' "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant minor matters until to-morrow." think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly even so self-evident a thing as that." I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest "I was sure that I might rely on you." "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which married her." "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid