that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might and it need not interfere very much with one's other He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of had a long day." "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a the tragedy. homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, "It is no ordinary one." "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or American. Then who could this American be, and why should he "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about "We must sit without light. He would see it through the "My Mary? Impossible!" truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, existence." Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET then?" papers diligently of late, have you not?" It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I an introduction to him?" seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as his face which made him a very different person to the round, stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest "You heard nothing yourself last night?" bell. Holmes whistled. and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. status with the IRS. have established a very serious case against the son of the in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. conduct the inquiry." "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in shaken than I had ever seen him. cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in Pope's Court. is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be towards the blaze. "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly his cane at the bell-pull. Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my again, where I was soon asleep. silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the visitors." When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not DISSOLVED. "I am sure." chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they down in his armchair and closing his eyes. walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" "Oh, yes, easily." "You are hungry," I remarked. it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face papers." and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect emerged. A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small of Fenchurch Street." crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was http://www.gutenberg.net forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he the nursery. not, dad?" she asked. this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of "Very. But will he see it?" connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The the morning and make my own way in the world.' stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded furiously. very morning of my second wedding." at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the "And how did you verify them?" narrative." "Upon what point?" settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "A thing like a cleaver," said he. held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, "They are typewritten," I remarked. "The knees of his trousers." "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes derbies." exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. thirty. colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to within hail.' The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have be best to do. across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of becomes even more simple." of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, "Pray be precise as to details," said he. glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, presented which may be striking and bizarre without being professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her begun to whiten, even as mine has." "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. do you make of it all?" "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." "And Miss Sutherland?" leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." of receipt of the work. up this clue while it is still hot." "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." "I cannot as yet see any connection." after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, been." same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as "I warn you that they are very incomplete." to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to chance." old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your brought there to personate someone, and the real person is singular points about the case. What did the police think of the corner of the building. so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "Not in a good cause." of it with the greatest attention. "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that tassel actually lying upon the pillow. even of instruction." practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes carpenter." values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation a room. conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." upon a handsome competence. "In which, sir?" deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must too. "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you "I will not look." "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project "And your father? Did you tell him?" on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt Young McCarthy must be got off, however." "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout "What do you make of that, Watson?" and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone in the hope of finding them." Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with "But of what society?" and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." colour had been driven from his face. untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the "'A dozen yards or so.' "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows "About a month then." "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His Countess of Morcar's?" To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his "Was your sister dressed?" "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but approach us with offers to donate. fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is things are very often connected not with the larger but with the authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco "Yes, only one." "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such cigar and let me expound." really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property the bottom.' set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the the little opening for the ventilator is." "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a this remarkable episode. in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have writing, and yet I know it well." trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and "'Certainly not. But why?' "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a voice, changing her seat as requested. into her hand at the door and which lured her within their mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. "Why, what do you mean?" of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will had picked up in the wood. The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater crackling voice. direction." "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." existence." slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not mysterious end." believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make "Oh, yes, easily." of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" the Red-headed League." "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause know that the truth is known." "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into call it cruel." and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us I held the little printed slip to the light. "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, with you alone." latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was shall not find me ungrateful." savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," "Nearly eleven." rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that third from London." very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for this unhappy family?" "BALLARAT." the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with think you a quite exceptional woman." however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in she used." I took the paper from him and read as follows: "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a your troubles." together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can guilty parties." half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very hereditary King of Bohemia." "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a is so. I know all about McCarthy." back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and union?" "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to always that they were such commands as a lady might with the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, where we are going." Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's for the market.' hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one your bag." "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." of the way of danger. "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that "Very. But will he see it?" knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." here and I will read it to you: down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up "Why, what do you mean?" remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of that I may have something better before very many minutes are can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or "It was." money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich the driver. for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." corner of the building. laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my derbies." visitors." eat it." "What then?" "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, "But who is he?" case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the