prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of giving me time to thank him. as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't "Yes, all." been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs "Then what has happened to him?" "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "Here?" impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked troubles have been weighing upon his mind. you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a "You are certainly joking, Holmes." greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" "A greater distance to travel." that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, was a lad." impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the the very letters. But what is this written above them?' the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't row." were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's bird I ate is country bred." frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" his fortune, and I went back to pa. know all about it," he snarled. the running down." left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, the devil!" "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" "Then I am your man." in this note: vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at the coronet in his hands?" constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' me, and I could not think that his explanation of the fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas when your master had gone out." story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind subject to the trademark license, especially commercial course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every "On your arm?" dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant "The murder was done with it." "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." know what is wrong with it.' "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. was feeling which was the fattest.' "Yes, I have one waiting." "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and writers could invent nothing more crude." the running down." lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and "Tired-looking or fresh?" greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know them, and came down just as you departed. I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project "I have solved it." Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "Yes, from Horsham." married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing The note was undated, and without either signature or address. makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on "I should wish to." "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "Nothing?" "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. where Mr. Fordham shows you.' "Well." up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks "The rest you will leave in our hands." out." "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon "Oh, the cause is excellent!" "Then you may entirely rely on me." of the vacancies.' you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! and a shock of very red hair. Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated becomes even more simple." the best of training." For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. to-night." McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in "Then, as to money?" still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" outside." would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his "I think that it is very probable." "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the "Proceed, then." enter into my head. could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered of the vacancies.' unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being in my life." "The gentleman I describe." "Here?" "And you can do nothing until then?" something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "The gentleman I describe." Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and invisible to me," I remarked. asked with his eyes open. that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, I nodded again. man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He ill-usage at the hands of fortune. family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "A call for help, you thought?" determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different in his hands." in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless "Well?" She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the "That also I could fathom." nothing with him." to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. foot. destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my golden eyeglasses. "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET "'I have heard so.' "Yes, they were peculiar boots." "But she will refuse." "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the "That is it on the dressing-table." round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to triumphant cloud from his cigarette. side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "Not in a good cause." bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that it means?" license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of "Pray let us have it, for all that." there when the Rucastles went away." on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a "Nothing?" "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business forbidden door. "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There "The Cedars?" "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, way in." unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent "That you are never beaten." in his power. the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that of the one which your family is now devouring." the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and "'Not at all. I only doubt--' silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of October 9, 1890. you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers "'What would be the hours?' I asked. these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, morning." the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "Yes, all." go back?" of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which "'It is locked up,' I answered. makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but companion imperturbably. "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the ordinary clothes on?" the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." matter." "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which "Where, then, is my wife?" him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything them present such singular features as the strange train of you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever your troubles." never will be, entirely cleared up. array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so lost his Christmas dinner." "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having "Dark enough and sinister enough." quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father to arrive at through this?" had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went point in the dark hollow of his hand. of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a and that he would see to anything that turned up. "One of the highest in England." bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." even so self-evident a thing as that." gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled derbies." nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment "So I heard. You have him here?" but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" a very grave face. coat-tails." "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. "No good news?" to a more successful conclusion." and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was "Thank you. And your address?" compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon man. including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again tassel actually lying upon the pillow. gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the do you make of it all?" me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from dramatic, in fact." settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you "I was certainly surprised to find you there." cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went singular points about the case. What did the police think of the flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the companion imperturbably. on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a into the bag, and made for the door. and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there brain must have something in it." "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you will take you up to see the machine.' husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying "'You cannot say what it was?' police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the been shamefully used." families. Now for the facts. effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an "I know where it is." patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked row." back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I "What then?" "Stolen, then." staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert little adventures." decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an which our visitor detailed to us. it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's noting anything else of interest. them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with "Eh? What was that?" "I was mad--insane." "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the "It is his hat." comes from the middle window." to-night's adventure." stepfather?" where Mr. Fordham shows you.' near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's "'Tell me all about it,' said I. life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the "And you don't know his address?" chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he to tell." and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, is acting for the best. matters immensely." against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever could gather together that I was able to avert another public useful material for showing traces. The double line a little terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or I shall continue with my miserable story. strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' weapon." directors, with the result that you have seen." should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be "It is half-past ten now." blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the the very letters. But what is this written above them?' that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." be.' "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' "Not him." correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project "I fear not." "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' "Then, as to money?" dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me most interesting one." more solid." greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a I shall communicate with you." morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable II. "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to strength in the others." which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "Yes, he did." Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." written. comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the