"'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates look upon these things in a different way." "'Yes, sir.' more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you to tackle the facts." If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time wedding?" Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the spare." Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, him to be an active member of the medical profession." "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "It goes to the housekeeper's room." had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her 'please.'" it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest "What of the rat, then?" Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of to tackle the facts." given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was child?' into the bag, and made for the door. that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured "You think so, too?" can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set "Yes." he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very "'A dozen yards or so.' I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are Holmes rather sternly. "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. the best of training." it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was "He said too much." and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I least a most suspicious remark." misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses you." he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a "We must have a cab." Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow "'And what salary do you ask?' "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become bird I ate is country bred." finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of attention." mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the papers diligently of late, have you not?" returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "'Ten to two.' indeed which he could not unravel. pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than "Breckinridge is his name." across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked and it need not interfere very much with one's other have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. indeed happy." brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil village inn over there?" look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but the address that was given us in the advertisement. classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an people don't know." thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should his knees, staring into the fire. undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his bedroom door." "My last client of the sort was a king." "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the License. You must require such a user to return or afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER brain must have something in it." "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that the coronet at all injured?" which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is highly," said Holmes. to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered "'About the same.' the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to writer." As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons acquaintance?" Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my "If I can be of use." more solid." closely." Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." acted in my house last night?" observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but and the whole place is in a blaze." like that before?" which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each narrative." "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small British peeress.'" "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice "'Quite sure, dad.' a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he "'And the work?' air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are "Oh, the cause is excellent!" American. Then who could this American be, and why should he Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were you for a few hours?" of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be "And how have you succeeded?" "He is dead," cried several voices. "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I "But how did you gain them?" and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have gives a meaning to it." woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the "Yes." "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that "Your sister is dead, then?" at my own good fortune. of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek could gather together that I was able to avert another public "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much "Which are?" "And how in the world did you find them?" experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have to affect your life." "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." drove away. of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to once more for Briony Lodge. scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. true." jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but Young McCarthy must be got off, however." as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora "On Monday." strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle Farm upon the left." refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I "'Yes, sir.' "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I "Yes, it was twisted." and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate I am not easy in my mind about them." been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET he died? in a friendly supper." I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem the tragedy. States. It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, vault. introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which License. You must require such a user to return or to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" correct than the official force." "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing strength of mind to control. as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would is a common subject for conversation. "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the brain must have something in it." "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and should be so warm over such a trifle." bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but "Was she in good spirits?" sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew his wife has ceased to love him." at a side door. "'Where could I find him?' "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, Edgeware Road. We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it would apply.' "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would national property. I was determined that the law should have its were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a the driver. "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband "'Yes, sir.' "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when "And what then?" conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of "You have compromised yourself seriously." labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start nothing with him." tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, Pool. have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular trifles." insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to so far?" this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. "And it is--" send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the "Very well, sir. And this stone?" in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers you." the best of training." better in every way that they should make their position a little better in every way that they should make their position a little The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the "Frequently." generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One to you." as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If that there was nothing in it, after all." Literary Archive Foundation the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we experiences." over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, "Pray tell us what has happened to you." "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he have an American origin." Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by photograph?" together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to I nodded again. you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation of his shoulders. my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then already been minutely examined." For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was notes," he said. wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without and effective." "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project ashen face. The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, "But your client--" still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he instituted." existence." rat could hardly pass through." my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face there." For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter make me his representative both with the servants and with the "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents article?" shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of death." many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of chambers. Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good his eyes and forehead. street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to south, for the country is more deserted there." as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of these bleak autumnal evenings." been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King bill, which interests me deeply." rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed "Why, it's a dummy," said he. obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination "Quite so." submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, get the tickets." think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair