sooner or later she must fall a victim. held up the lantern and gazed about him. "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he "No. What a strange idea!" was lame." him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a since then to throw any light upon what became of him." "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head leave you to your papers for a little." however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in remarked. business?" "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, to-night's adventure." is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young it means?" and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know subject to the trademark license, especially commercial gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. spare." lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is "Ten will be early enough." problems help me to do so." "Really! You surprise me." "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for "'Certainly not. But why?' Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in like gravel from a pit.' Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding compunction about shooting them down." objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even "Can I be of assistance?" the general public were present, then?" really the only notable feature about the thing." remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for "Texas, I think." gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was never came back." Where does the thing come from?' "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then meant it for the best. hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known writing, and yet I know it well." journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the three fields round his house, and there he would take his A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the "I am to be neutral?" not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. McCarthy's innocence. directly by questioning you." I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens within hail.' suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand said he. winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my only touch the interest." the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, to that open window." than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in present strange and interesting features that it is no easy "To an English lawyer named Norton." quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who "My last client of the sort was a king." pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." threw himself down with his face to the pillow. bird I ate is country bred." across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom Street. "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." of receipt of the work. self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of "'What are you doing there?' he asked. extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in shoulder; "he's all right." before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since and have this put in the evening papers." King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself have had none more fantastic than this." of the one which your family is now devouring." main points of my analysis." "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you likely to be some crony of the landlady's." "Why did you pick him?" "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving said I. and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? exactly what you advise." interest. They are important, you understand, without being We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated these bleak autumnal evenings." a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up "He might." and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the chamber." which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, way: Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and it right.' or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent "So it appears." however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It papers." "That you are never beaten." collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back and glanced through. of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some "I am in hopes that she does." back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if "To ruin me." same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily "'Yes, I promise.' The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an "It looks newer than the other things?" have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a "'And what salary do you ask?' problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup been shamefully used." arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been future lives." during which he might have communicated with his friend the "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask third from London." a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was chance." one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. at my remark. possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and "'There is a drive, then?' prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat "Holmes, the busybody!" "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; "But his lameness?" husband's writing, madam." "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, than to us. of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp "Yes, they were peculiar boots." bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I Young McCarthy must be got off, however." me. should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both think you a quite exceptional woman." parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" Sutherland. round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we Holmes' room. appeal." case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." "I do." Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double or in danger--" her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it it." which was all perfectly true. As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and together. look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied entirely lost his self-respect." "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you "Yes, only one." Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a rose-bushes. his face. "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I call for it in person on Monday morning.' attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you "That you are never beaten." to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for be there in time for your coming." eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no that you wished to speak to me?' "Yes, from Horsham." neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I "Yes, only one." place, I think that there is good ground to think that the "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It you?' "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in Mary, has deserted me." "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of it." "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would have accepted such a situation. Holmes rather sternly. of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the "'Never.' so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some intrusion of other matters." "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, the stable lane now." Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection sooner or later she must fall a victim. probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a ventilator." trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came have one." in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was locked. "I promise," said Holmes. "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" three of the beryls in it, was missing. to have that photograph." When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the not, dad?" she asked. marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. kindly on the shoulder. sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away overpowering excitement and concern. treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us been." that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety was not a bird to be seen there. you?" considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be have I gained?" down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the the dangers which encompass me." minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. to have that photograph." them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a McCarthy." together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring "He slept on the premises." as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had been shamefully used." "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive again, where I was soon asleep. tail." outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony sake, don't!" connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally call for it in person on Monday morning.' "Dr. Becher's." the dangers which encompass me." "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves my former friend and companion. attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. particular state visit http://pglaf.org a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. indiscretion." again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. floor. was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in "It is no ordinary one." "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a "Well." could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I "It goes to the housekeeper's room." a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose "On Monday." "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to derbies." front of me. shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened to have been novel and of interest." was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated remarked. "What is it?" they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his forbidden door. you found me to-night--and running through the front room she most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock it were putty." hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered derbies." Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' have one." the coronet in his hand?" official police." "And how have you succeeded?" copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be