"Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from events, Mr. Windibank!" A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "That is easily got." With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all she slowly sank and died without having recovered her seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a "My last client of the sort was a king." Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you "So I have heard." Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers James Windibank. Voilà tout!" was a perfect sample of the class. the very morning of the wedding." chill to my heart. manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her "Then you may entirely rely on me." snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have a monotonous occupation." to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful at my remark. list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east "He might." down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his memory. be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. "We were both in the photograph." might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which lost his Christmas dinner." situation." and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while bearing upon the case." it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's where she found matters as described by the last witness. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "Yes." the stable lane now." at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few following enigmatical notices: and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up tell him that I know him to be innocent." tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged copied or distributed: disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a client, rising. the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would me, and I could not think that his explanation of the "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as you." "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "Your presence might be invaluable." "Was your sister dressed?" think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, I think that I could be of assistance to you." than to us. 'please.'" sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not "Imitated." thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' companion imperturbably. see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I "'Tell me all about it,' said I. he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' individual and becomes the badge of a society." Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take "Then you may entirely rely on me." four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should them, and came down just as you departed. of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my interested in these little problems, and since you are good "Yesterday." "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the geese which you supplied to the Alpha." once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of the one as in the other." "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; "It looks newer than the other things?" "None." think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he maid will bring up your coffee." abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into and no precautions can guard against." "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. "10th. John Swain cleared. "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is opportunities to fix the problem. other, as fresh and trim as possible. this truth that in these little records of our cases which you rose-bushes. in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too as yours." married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what thirty. to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not his knees, staring into the fire. wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate populous neighbourhood." English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, was lame." some city in a dream. who was a member of your goose club." more terrible than the truth. looking up at the numbers of the houses." for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have particular state visit http://pglaf.org "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window which our visitor detailed to us. photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I was not a bird to be seen there. nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The during which he might have communicated with his friend the glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no "In heaven's name, what for?" I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at Leadenhall Street--and--" In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay "What do you make of that, Watson?" "Texas, I think." examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We "We were both in the photograph." XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every "Pray tell us what has happened to you." would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," *** START: FULL LICENSE *** blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous there is a decided draught." against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else woman." the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; sooner or later she must fall a victim. severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to to-night's adventure." 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a think that he is innocent?" "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long little adventures." this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little forehead. "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an good-night and bustled off upon her way. horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in may never be exposed to such a temptation." "The rest you will leave in our hands." at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune in a friendly supper." Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached is entirely a question of barometric pressure." "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to his huge brown hands. "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." morning." something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two not fit the lock." might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case in the dead of the night?' outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must "Ah!" his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the "A greater distance to travel." that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had "Ah!" drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the and glanced through. "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "Ample." covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you words came to my lips. an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened plantation.' Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted "He is still with you, I presume?" "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid locked. and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all back alive. you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the "Of what?" The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite fire. You quite follow me?" death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even eavesdroppers?' very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in I. your sleep?' unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no there is a decided draught." "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said there was no need for father to know." to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's "Yes, but only for you and me." fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, guilty parties." lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make details should find their way into the papers. Inspector formed some opinion?" deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable "And what did you learn from him?" photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several "I am to be neutral?" He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average present." "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" that I can to serve you." "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at Holmes' room. off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a "Get out!" said he. out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are place no limit on the sum I may draw." cup of tea. yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback even so self-evident a thing as that." "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." "What?" King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm if I call to-morrow?" freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking "You forget that I know nothing about it." Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court laugh and put his lips to my ear. make me his representative both with the servants and with the seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your quite distinctive." "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our hopeless attempt at recovering them." cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On obstinate." in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just tapping his fingers upon the table. the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE Stoke Moran." "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the whether it answered to the description of any of their our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this thin, with a long, sharp nose?" light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage o'clock is it?" 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." note?" I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." leave you to your papers for a little." "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark them?" My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up "The Cedars?" is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little would then never go into court at all." very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would