noting anything else of interest. perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. bled considerably." five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get hereditary King of Bohemia." "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with "Pray let us have it, for all that." man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and some mystery and the punishment of some crime." but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a little adventures." XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at trying to your nerves." the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a nonsense.' I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than the inquest, and which are worth considering." little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is "None." For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had ago." work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at "'Yes, it was gone.' common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the 'I should be able to look after that for you.' chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. electronic works in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used But Holmes shook his head gravely. again." who was a member of your goose club." to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was I took the paper from him and read as follows: Holmes. half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "One of the highest in England." garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my definite end. "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a "And why?" Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, them?" heavily into it. might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the always that they were such commands as a lady might with overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be whole matter to your consideration." "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by occurred." Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the or other trace. But how on earth--" transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, "How did you trace it, then?" "But your client--" to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was there!' get the tickets." "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a giving me time to thank him. probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I introspective fashion. he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California very old mansion. "Then I am your man." "And help." whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual joking. scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be trifles." trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, of note-paper. It read in this fashion: in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have prison!" several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will to a light-house. 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had frequently gained my first real insight into the character of heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away in my life." much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and "'What do you call purely nominal?' "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "But she could not love him." my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a the night.' "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The anything to do with the matter?" friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting the tragedy. so far?" "Come in!" said he. outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; "Certainly." solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, companion imperturbably. matter." Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of which we had just quitted. very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." the Assizes." already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed putting in the horse. "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of "Not social, then?" "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "9th. McCauley cleared. but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out "Oh, fresh and glossy." "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name discontent upon his features. "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. have got?" see me here to avoid scandal." rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do test if we have an answer to our advertisement." furiously. seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of reach." business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when of it with the greatest attention. indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong at a side door. have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had has little to do with my story." official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family some city in a dream. remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at "I should like to see him very much." my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in correct than the official force." that he will be back before evening." is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I astonishment. fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve on re-entering her father's house?" present." before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said singular points about the case. What did the police think of the the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other conduct the inquiry." "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." a good hundred miles off by now." overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to "Of what?" ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a "An enemy?" ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a one or two very singular points about this room. For example, glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily triumphant cloud from his cigarette. I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land him." "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." "And that is--" "Yes, from Horsham." "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before Sutherland. forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! is so. I know all about McCarthy." contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, useful material for showing traces. The double line a little send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further "It is very clear." bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would "To ruin me." much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an "Indeed! Whose, then?" Pope's Court. room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw Sholtos." this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a "The King of Scandinavia." her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate noble correspondent could be. Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had have established a very serious case against the son of the of the one which your family is now devouring." wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the "He slept on the premises." in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I assist you in forming an opinion." Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped acquaintance?" it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by opportunities to fix the problem. heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room and shall probably return to London by the evening train." she to prove their authenticity?" the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some intimate personal affairs in this public manner." direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the in a friendly supper." something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, ordinary clothes on?" trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, annoyance, but no jest. estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as "What have you done?" asked Holmes. already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely character. conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" have one." room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She shag which I had seen upon the previous night. civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I "Not in a good cause." the window, rose as we entered. "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "Why, what do you mean?" and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he which we had just quitted. murdered man." "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual was feeling which was the fattest.' to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were "'Stolen!' he cried. I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was "Witness: Nothing definite. by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do together. "That is unusual in a young girl." "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something started for the Temple to see my husband. bled considerably." could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. pity, because in other respects you would really have done very "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical instituted." which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, appeal." company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do vault. all that?" when your master had gone out." Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your fluttered off among the others. of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing "I cannot say that I have." of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez Arthur Conan Doyle danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." presented which may be striking and bizarre without being which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, present." "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." bird I ate is country bred." "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his "Certainly." "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly my little problems." to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the enter Dr. Roylott's room." "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the speckled band?" may have an influence upon European history." Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But "But you can know nothing of this?" rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, "'How far from the body?' the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third over his head with a sweet womanly caress. doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There