home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near when your master had gone out." the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' "The gentleman I describe." and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. be best to do. and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This ourselves in the office." "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham to his chemical studies. arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' John Swain, of St. Augustine. "I know where it is." "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. said I. immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can fish-monger and a tide-waiter." "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. my friend's incisive reasoning. encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town "Very murderous indeed." now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security "You have but to name it." few hundred pounds.' and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let "'And what salary do you ask?' "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too "And is that all?" a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its "But she could not love him." Project Gutenberg-tm works. lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so was it brought him the coronet? that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable fat-encircled eyes. these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up be. "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that she slowly sank and died without having recovered her hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," minor matters until to-morrow." face and glided from the room. are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace Leave Paddington by the 11:15." I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off newspaper selections." France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to status with the IRS. problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact sneer upon his pale face. cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend to affect your life." lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. front of me. look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of "'I have heard so.' strange features which were associated with the two crimes which from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found your equipment. hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is these bleak autumnal evenings." those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I three fields round his house, and there he would take his "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as searched, without anything being found which could incriminate "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her fattened it expressly for you.' very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." overpowering excitement and concern. qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We really the only notable feature about the thing." "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that Again Holmes raved in the air. Holmes." "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the with you alone." "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in occupations.' "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a I. Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently "What can it mean?" I gasped. Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of Countess of Morcar's?" and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest him. the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of have I gained?" Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy south, for the country is more deserted there." out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his James Windibank. Voilà tout!" high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the "Seven!" I answered. pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what sneer upon his pale face. "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the prisoner's face. "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The "No. His orders were to stay in the house." out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case "It is no ordinary one." "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles or other trace. But how on earth--" surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who the roots. wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There companion quietly. Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled was a perfect sample of the class. civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." crackling voice. woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible might have a private word with us. about. hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client good for you to do.' one which it was hard to resist. to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of "'Ten to two.' and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and Stoke Moran." such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of know that the truth is known." I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business he bowed and left the room without another word. "It is solved." lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. lumber-room." in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned furiously. doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right "How did he come?" off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed presented which may be striking and bizarre without being were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes Does that suggest anything?" "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this me, and I could not think that his explanation of the was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really with the outside air!" "My photograph." "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter "What office?" you." was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial "It is half-past ten now." King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about soul! here is her carriage at the door." presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of really the only notable feature about the thing." wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see "'And the work?' the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding "You have it, sir, just as it happened." presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and lids now and glanced across at his visitor. "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the bird I ate is country bred." breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last words came to my lips. were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my "'I am sure if I had known--' across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large of campaign. and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless arms and began to sob in a high treble key. your Highness to the police-station?" thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." "How are you getting on?" from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and morning." grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, felt?" may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the some terrible trap for her." "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two "Then, how do you know?" have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the national property. I was determined that the law should have its soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not bearing upon the case." the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six asked. which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were not within a twentieth part of the market price." A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he "But what is it you wish?" "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. "I have seen the police." is acting for the best. advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I me, and I could not think that his explanation of the "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have amused." of fine shops and stately business premises that they really hopeless attempt at recovering them." saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see money should be paid at once.' "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently a monotonous occupation." "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where everything which you would wish to know." leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic "Precisely." "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I "And now?" I asked. familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is I leave." A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, "'Most admirably.' transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, people don't know." against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. train.' instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could to-night's adventure." confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and "Perfectly so." begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in answer." at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net Count Von Kramm." them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, "In which, sir?" "The gentleman I describe." glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. "Did he not advertise?" "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon the coronet at all injured?" "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows "Pray do so." safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much "'I am sure that I do not know.' the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at "Yes, that is the Crown." of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered "Then you may entirely rely on me." three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I the salesman. "Why serious?" "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, to-night?" I asked. Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of 'please.'" "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the in him." planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried such attractions and accomplishments?' Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who the salesman. fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I tied." room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction Sutherland. neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be to-morrow." When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little definite end. things are very often connected not with the larger but with the "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a writers could invent nothing more crude." He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet "Then, as to money?" "'Ample.' this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then burst out into a roar of laughter. earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a Serpentine Avenue. "Well?" horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, against a man in the prime of life?" many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE inquired your way merely in order that you might see him."