"Pray do so." foot. "And now?" I asked. showing my impatience. weigh very heavily upon my conscience." "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to weary and pale-looking. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." you?' money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a "'What then?' I asked. had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been than was visible to me." and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: "Perfectly so." "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to families. Now for the facts. the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is "'I am sure that I do not know.' His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of you do it in twenty minutes!' Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any desk. "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking "And how have you succeeded?" "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that some terrible trap for her." with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his him nearly every evening." hands. "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. returning from some small jollification and was making his way "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." really the only notable feature about the thing." cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." "Could he throw no light?" strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the "Always." daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with round with crates and massive boxes. Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post fishes. There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the never came back." vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in wedding?" the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" "'I have already given you my word.' "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt "Where to?" a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "And what then?" inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in been able to understand it, in a very few words. an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third "You heard nothing yourself last night?" foot. had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it papers must be those that are destroyed.' fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband "I was sure that I might rely on you." magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." you found me to-night--and running through the front room she again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend within hail.' hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it both be extremely obliged.' "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled have established a very serious case against the son of the "That is easily got." as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. your most interesting statement." that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester visitors." down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of "Yes." and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. "Do you receive much company?" he asked. "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone what I may call a really hard day's work." bird I ate is country bred." "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper depend upon my doing so.' "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt go--none." "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of one which it was hard to resist. office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes triumphant cloud from his cigarette. Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large Project Gutenberg-tm works. from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he "I am to be neutral?" "But he might be a bachelor." total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little following enigmatical notices: sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really the south-west, I see." End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door for the market.' seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect "Not in the least." "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. "So I heard. You have him here?" voice. straightened it out again. I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! Sutherland?" would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are "Yes." "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you "But of what society?" the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, tapping his fingers upon the table. send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards written. "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and "And your mother is alive?" "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty door?" Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to make me his representative both with the servants and with the "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. other, as fresh and trim as possible. "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a matter." jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's visitors." know that the truth is known." monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a Sutherland?" rat could hardly pass through." "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it "That is possible." obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. call you and give you the chance." one or two very singular points about this room. For example, "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" at home. fluttered off among the others. just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp in a friendly supper." been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the tell him that I know him to be innocent." devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the "Precisely." base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. at a side door. whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what was shining brightly. "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. as yours." on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any jewels which you have stolen?' possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to "And I." of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary remarked. observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the fact, we may call it conclusive." morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is and looked back. him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the "If so, much may have happened between." "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "By train from Waterloo." "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds strange features which were associated with the two crimes which very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to tension within him. which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, at my own good fortune. "Yes, only one." shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to "But she could not love him." heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the "What office?" I was concerned in it." belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which experiences." At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for "Frequently." "But she could not love him." "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the people don't know." man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon American. Then who could this American be, and why should he attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at and laid it on the table. "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of "Here?" diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' "How about poison?" "And I to find an enemy." "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near "Ah, but I was recommended to you." behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is him, that man would not have given me such complete information to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from most interesting one." "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in she has been waylaid. There has been no result." advice." possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is up this clue while it is still hot." "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with use an arc-and-compass breastpin." and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "But I have heard all that you have heard." in your London, you will know that the office of the company is "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said purpose equally well?" "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the This is what he says: to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." DAMAGE. that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be him to go away.' secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had went to the Alpha were town bred." and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his but preventing her from injuring another. name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men Leadenhall Street--and--" spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." taking in every detail of the apartment. of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday "Whose house is it?" "No more words. Get out!" Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen make me his representative both with the servants and with the His smile broadened. with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. "'Certainly not. But why?' 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss humiliation." of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the have been better. It is all right." my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his likely to be some crony of the landlady's." Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his "It must be recovered." the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a your troubles." "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been way in everything. Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for examination of the premises, but without finding anything which "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and the coroner come to?" Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you "'Certainly,' I answered. They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for "We have tried and failed." usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the followed. to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his "But she will refuse." waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no the loss of it. was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, shall not find me ungrateful." "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a gone. then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' "And you don't know his address?" that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man congratulate you again." her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell electronic works With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special few hundred pounds.' "Nor running a chance of arrest?" "What are they?" and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. "You will not go there first?" the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my Watson," he said cordially. begin with, and I had not got mine yet." "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may details." to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle asked. the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel your Highness to the police-station?" forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from of the way of danger. him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge "'Ample.' power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we "9th. McCauley cleared. imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her excitement. of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning "Not in a good cause." passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever,