thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so again on its way. "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your him. been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to at home. I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that awkward doing business with an alias." "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp "But it has twice been burgled." "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles that there was nothing in it, after all." "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both opportunities to fix the problem. my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at better in every way that they should make their position a little out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. "Two days later this same performance was gone through under Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." absorbing." opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of himself to hunt down. said he. most interesting one." Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. danger is over." you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent in his hands." the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into fashion which was peculiar to him. information in his hands the value of which he did not himself "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such "I see many objections to any such theory." "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. "I say that I have solved it." the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found "What do you mean?" the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a "I am sure." I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that "Never to return." Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger undoubtedly my uncle's." "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this "'About the same.' "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight "I am in hopes that she does." less than 26s. 4d. open." your own bird, so if you wish--" "10th. John Swain cleared. jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over points to suicide?" "Could he throw no light?" and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished green of the new foliage. started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia secret." "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a upon the sideboard." iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue disappearance of the bride.'" "Deserted you?" have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the his eyes and forehead. "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. you." there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never least a most suspicious remark." "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then brain must have something in it." "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and "My dear Holmes!" product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't "Here?" abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton and wait." I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking "Your French gold?" here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it look dissatisfied." chance." cup of tea. in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the to Leatherhead. remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. the Red-headed League." black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open tension within him. you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was face and glided from the room. "Which are?" the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his hard-headed British jury." merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at will find little credit to be gained out of this case." have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely said he at last. "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as "I have a cab outside." few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I throat." of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who tassel actually lying upon the pillow. dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. it." "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were me. You must get home instantly and act." the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which roused himself from his reverie. as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, "Yes." to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is mysterious end." imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which "And what did you learn from him?" "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed "Where did he live, then?" "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked in one or two places in England?' safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in washing it down with a long draught of water. to where he stood hid behind the curtain. springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to Project Gutenberg-tm works. affair. the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of said Mr. Holder. "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless "Indeed! Whose, then?" "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate "There are none." "You forget that I know nothing about it." hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father there when the Rucastles went away." "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for Mary, has deserted me." immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger "'Yes, it was gone.' do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large "'There is a drive, then?' abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was gbnewby@pglaf.org "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of searched, without anything being found which could incriminate doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a "None." As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me take the flies, but not before." retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told arrangements." to-night?" I asked. go back?" James Windibank. Voilà tout!" light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version "We have tried and failed." so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge troubles have been weighing upon his mind. practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the appeal." We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons "I cannot imagine." ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not go back?" then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had "Not in the least." incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." papers." vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." noble correspondent could be. that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was "Then, as to money?" stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any derbies." washing it down with a long draught of water. "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was tightly behind him. I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what "Of what?" in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place the King without delay." assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more Holmes' thin, eager face. stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." never came back." explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got himself. stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to "'Yes, it was gone.' walking." making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man "Very well, sir. And this stone?" upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which here and I will read it to you: of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House woman." "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself sit on the left-hand side of the driver." "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of sufficient punishment." that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King "My last client of the sort was a king." was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as third from London." "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring "Well?" scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but of the vacancies.' corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like fait accompli?" "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate present." down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in down in his armchair and closing his eyes. "Was he the only applicant?" to you." of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was and the whole place is in a blaze." "None." vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." "Then you may be so with me." "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution "The decline of his fortunes, then?" James Windibank. Voilà tout!" is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said overpowering excitement and concern. Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the "But how will you look?" stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has "And why?" value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" "'Where to?' Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this directors, with the result that you have seen." "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." public press." singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in purpose equally well?" a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to father's young wife. there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate retorted upon me, and I on you." cheerful." card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. and glanced through. "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes mystery!" to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, perplexity from it to my illustrious client. of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work tension within him. and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" particular state visit http://pglaf.org smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another bed dies. Does not that strike you?" adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt "I see many objections to any such theory." The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer a few minutes he said that it would be all right. admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have "Entirely." residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I use an arc-and-compass breastpin." myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be "Yes." sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I just ask you whether you had heard it.' having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss became a certainty. noise which awoke you from your sleep?" will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in in a friendly supper." at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to "I cannot think." "Precisely so. But how--" centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." "Did your wife hear all this?"