One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a it. crowd. "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father own family. "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I to me. "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, and it need not interfere very much with one's other anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as annoyance, but no jest. of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. me. You must get home instantly and act." "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that "And how have you succeeded?" is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "Yes, he did." absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement province." the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to DISSOLVED. John Swain, of St. Augustine. been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe presented more singular features than that which was associated room had already been engaged for us. slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which colour had been driven from his face. and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by Surrey." is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." "And your mother is alive?" the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more whatever might befall. 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "Dirty?" both be extremely obliged.' fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to new duties?' in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was call for it in person on Monday morning.' sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and within hail.' finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other passage and a tap at the door. from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as "Pray be precise as to details," said he. Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite anything to a woman, for she would have her way." characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could "And I say east," said my patient. I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the "By train from Waterloo." of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood fishes. the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the in darkness. carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the to that open window." there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to their singular warning or token before them when starting upon can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with points in connection with it which never have been, and probably didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't she might be summoned. so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very I nodded to show that I had heard. "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off be best to do. whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local "I am following you closely," I answered. open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He and the whole place is in a blaze." wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon overpowering excitement and concern. "I guessed as much." obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my "Thank you. Pray proceed." "In San Francisco, a year ago." him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." is now desirous of getting those letters back." stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out "What shall I do?" the loss of it. and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in "Never." Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, you want, then?' "Oh, fresh and glossy." the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a because she had spent so short a time in this country that she a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall hopeless attempt at recovering them." "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and prison!" my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I fear." I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "What?" both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at "It certainly sounds feasible." "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had "Dr. Becher's." THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE events, Mr. Windibank!" and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four begin with, and I had not got mine yet." clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very how narrow had been my escape. first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp "'Never.' transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper attention." friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of "And now?" I asked. either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face that he will be back before evening." were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary he died? incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of such person." lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was "Yes, from Horsham." three of the beryls in it, was missing. taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" flock.' keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. "Why did you pick him?" reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his my secret was safe in his possession. would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had rose-bushes. road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee narrative." Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money been lifted and conveyed somewhere." questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am later, upon the night of May 2nd." urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was have been better. It is all right." wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed "Why serious?" "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "Then I do not see the point." "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had foot. basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "But how did you gain them?" "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so over with notes and figures. again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. peculiar to him. we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to "But you can know nothing of this?" tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced really the only notable feature about the thing." view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." cigar and let me expound." would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your way: dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it "Will you go?" "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right at my remark. with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He ways of our fellow-men." learned something! Where are the gems?" down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as gone before you can get him to hospital." loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do "Really! You surprise me." 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be again, where I was soon asleep. Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer with the outside air!" man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at purpose of examination. with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the "In heaven's name, what for?" doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, "And how did you verify them?" go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My "It may not come to that," said Holmes. while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." that you can jump it.' fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, not, dad?" she asked. and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." held up the lantern and gazed about him. "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for the tragedy. has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon telegram would bring me down to your help." the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in redistribution. abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. next day. are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport never to learn it at all." who was a member of your goose club." clanging. that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done "We were both in the photograph." Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I a very grave face. upon an income of about 60 pounds." despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our read it out to me." were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose I nodded again. impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little "One of his hands." them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a peculiar to him. the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes October 9, 1890. not, dad?" she asked. himself in a perplexing position. so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about "You think so, too?" quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, simple cases which are so extremely difficult." Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss troubles have been weighing upon his mind. sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no triumphant cloud from his cigarette. "But his lameness?" business?" Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in problems help me to do so." one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" affection." that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of McCarthy's innocence. follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping said Mr. Holder. details should find their way into the papers. Inspector I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the said I. "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid "I was afraid that you were engaged." the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of "Thank you. Pray proceed." wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I "Not him." to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the that he will be back before evening." "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into "And on what day did he meet his death?" "You have the photograph?" the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she Eyford at 11:15.' play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert had died away into the silence from which it rose. "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with them?" more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "Nothing?" "I would give my fortune to have them back." some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. "Your French gold?" so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. "Absolutely?" prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss think, you have already met." "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black Pope's Court. Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." silent! Oh, he will be silent!' fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "But not more so than I to find you." undoubtedly my uncle's." prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his "Awake, Watson?" he asked. late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you not within a twentieth part of the market price." the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. "They are typewritten," I remarked. happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, "It certainly sounds feasible." unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His