their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was the stones. "What I expected to see." "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in think you a quite exceptional woman." seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand "The best possible." serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only where she found matters as described by the last witness. In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face crime. "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped "Yes, they were peculiar boots." "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when place no limit on the sum I may draw." the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, this as likely?" "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one have I gained?" immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, call for it in person on Monday morning.' page at http://pglaf.org "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. opened the door, and slipped through. waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the six. Come in!" danger is over." We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included nice household for a young lady." "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. the Friday. Was it to be in church?" contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in ways of our fellow-men." probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to "Yes." "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 "None. Neville wrote those words." "Yes." that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed thought that she would have been so carried away." "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud public press." streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have "Texas, I think." Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought the coroner come to?" was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty "I am about to be married." you want, then?' what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The one which it was hard to resist. he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the "No." an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the your only hope of safety." "'As governess?' accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, "It missed him, then?" "'Never,' said I. when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, was shining brightly. Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when you understand?" akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." must compliment you." and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend "Yes." head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this "Ten will be early enough." He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted upon the shelf for the interim." very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took "But what is it you wish?" whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, "One?" sentimental considerations in the background which would induce hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked keep the flames under. manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since fuss that is made over them." on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. it with his own hands." one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the chemical work which was so dear to him. refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella brain must have something in it." accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort "'Then let me do so?' were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation where Mr. Fordham shows you.' "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, call the police, let the police find what they can.' as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the "I shall most certainly do so." time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the "Perhaps I have." "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than man. I know him from the photograph." "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you lumber-room." "Then how many are there?" Lestrade of Scotland Yard." resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "'Yes, sir.' understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." helping a boy to put up the shutters. outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg depend upon your compliance." "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm "My private note-paper." seem to you to be relevant or not." rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong shall not find me ungrateful." back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out bill, which interests me deeply." And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in knowledge of the world." this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the always that they were such commands as a lady might with and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an you do it in twenty minutes!' "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the "No?" stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a "You did not overhear what they said?" where Mr. Fordham shows you.' companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, evidence," I remarked. "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." ordinary clothes on?" "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." the matter?" and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the The note was undated, and without either signature or address. demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has fishes. slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should three of the beryls in it, was missing. Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls to change my dress. was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of o'clock is it?" sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and to have been novel and of interest." probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the and laid it on the table. the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever My friend smiled. too. enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the empty. "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I status with the IRS. From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the "Did you observe the colour?" pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself call the police, let the police find what they can.' broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I sound at heart." my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his "'Yes, sir.' voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, "Yes, that is the Crown." "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." dead, shall be safe with us." direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" him!" "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would that I may have something better before very many minutes are "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may I think that I could be of assistance to you." "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and the Friday. Was it to be in church?" with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive been able to understand it, in a very few words. bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold I held the little printed slip to the light. "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident "Imitated." "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a Edgeware Road. kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right "One of his hands." eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, "No. What a strange idea!" brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. compunction about shooting them down." "Do you go out much in society?" "If I can be of use." with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our is now desirous of getting those letters back." Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, "And Miss Sutherland?" "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see "To an end?" XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can pierced for earrings?" deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" Lee, in the county of Kent." Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried figure." should be taken.' takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making the matter?" of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be conclusions. and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come "One of the highest in England." Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." over his head with a sweet womanly caress. of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be "How long did she speak to this Alice?" Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single that I can to serve you." "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given was a loud and authoritative tap. vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the the so-precious time, but come!' "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. you." reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my something of him before." "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover strong reason behind." and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under lost nothing by them." when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right "But you have hopes?" cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the "Ah!" situation." way: always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower American. Then who could this American be, and why should he "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off knowledge of the world." room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "'Yes, sir.' with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case The note was undated, and without either signature or address. must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all "'You doubt its value?' he asked. constraint." "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most "That is it on the dressing-table." waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into in a friendly supper." rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such in his hands." arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in depend upon your compliance." away into the river." "There are none." Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say,