invisible to me," I remarked. "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that "Dark enough and sinister enough." brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could "Where is it, then?" the night.' "Yes, that is the Crown." awkward doing business with an alias." License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to Leadenhall Street--and--" "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' shoulder; "he's all right." with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there "Married! When?" "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera "Well, some hundreds of times." statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the ourselves in the office." "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that "And how did you verify them?" Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and how narrow had been my escape. them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage "Deserted you?" "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was words came to my lips. them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. for and were ordered to this address. visitors." - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from his face. "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was photograph?" "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." bachelor.' few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and "That is easily got." I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too advice." stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. late!' we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which may never be exposed to such a temptation." followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great "Perfectly so." while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the been with you?" interest. They are important, you understand, without being "You have but to name it." running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "I am sure." "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully "And why in hopes?" clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't opened a pocket-book and took out a note. vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that not interfere, come what may. You understand?" doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two for and were ordered to this address. "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I photograph?" "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post maiden herself was most instructive." thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old must be when I saw the door open.' married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and presume?" deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had the one as in the other." hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very spare." "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway and capable of preserving a secret.' "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped fluttered off among the others. I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl that I can to serve you." and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for "Yes." money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time http://gutenberg.net/license). "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." himself to hunt down. weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was "Yes." my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say 11:15.' explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest "I would give my fortune to have them back." "And how have you succeeded?" "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are make me his representative both with the servants and with the some place of shelter and let the county police know what has the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to round and wave him away like that.' the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more was feeling which was the fattest.' his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. "In heaven's name, what for?" uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing "None." have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal "'How far from the body?' fear." no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" "What! Had he lost his wife?" stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. "But how?" engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted Lestrade of Scotland Yard." Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where friends, not even his own brother. As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, instituted." had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was there!' gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his "I should like to see him very much." truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, Sutherland?" even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband "It is possible." the ceiling. collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an before, for it was considerably after midnight. "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to "Very well, sir. And this stone?" wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom already been minutely examined." 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, vault. "Look there!" said he. villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge "Where, then?" plantation.' "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer This is what he says: was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying despaired of." us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an in his hands." which are rolled in Rotterdam." attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely the address that was given us in the advertisement. that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I over here." at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "Upon what point?" "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all into the room. nothing of it?" down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see was not a bird to be seen there. down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't know what is wrong with it.' I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they hand, madam?" "I am to be neutral?" "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin him to be an active member of the medical profession." that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that meant it for the best. light and attacked it." "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had problems help me to do so." It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle people in all walks of life. husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." shoulder. three fields round his house, and there he would take his frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a burst out into a roar of laughter. from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the question. matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the seven miles from Eyford Station.' wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of was keenly on my guard against him. 11:15.' Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name "Your presence might be invaluable." received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may you in your example." The telegram which we eventually received came late one night helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I present." of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the "She showed me, as I told you she would." homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in "The doctor?" customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties "Did you become engaged then?" Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of once more on the important position which you have been fortunate - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the "How many? I don't know." Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which you, my dear young lady?' my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a silent! Oh, he will be silent!' here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. a few minutes he said that it would be all right. Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself asked. upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away very old mansion. with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. "One of his hands." came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything question. "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO "None." weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "No." charge against him will break down." to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the "It was a confession," I ejaculated. quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is License. You must require such a user to return or quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them business at Coburg Square is serious." now. It seems that there had been some informality about their Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the call you and give you the chance." whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's anything to a woman, for she would have her way." "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure address. drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he do.' cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should fled together." every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in that you can jump it.' disappearance of the bride.'" my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She hour." saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in "'Then let me do so?' quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he "I have hopes." "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" "Ah!" and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and "But you can know nothing of this?" arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive tension within him. it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. "Nothing." years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently "But of what society?" constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, "I see many objections to any such theory." Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place "By all means." and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had do you make of it all?" cup of tea. and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to were wasted." "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle children over to America with him, so that I found myself without backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive