the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which said he. examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, business in the City. She little knew what. dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As then?" "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon "Dirty?" firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his conclusions. "I see no marks." one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk During two years I have had three consultations and one small "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to the window, rose as we entered. heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high round and wave him away like that.' animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the you came in." security.' "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch papers on the sundial.'" There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said and inquire as to the address." similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle "And how have you succeeded?" "My last client of the sort was a king." for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the questioning and rather startled gaze. her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the to have that photograph." "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" at home. confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From "It is possible." glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see look upon these things in a different way." only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven "A client, then?" clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a "What! a murderous attack?" some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what strong and stiff." ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to trifles." the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed that, and I came down." thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the it with his own hands." "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." you for a few hours?" return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and hour." confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who "She walked into the breakfast-room." the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger his cane at the bell-pull. some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey of them has the shutters up.' Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the "Thank you. And your address?" when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" "Certainly." "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I "Stolen." "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the "'I am sure if I had known--' expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." Lee, in the county of Kent." room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself the stones. past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about and a shock of very red hair. they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. which are rolled in Rotterdam." perplexity from it to my illustrious client. Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was golden eyeglasses. had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who lost his Christmas dinner." change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally success. sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, Eyford." Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in heavy and sharp instrument." distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I indiscretion." the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, written, and locked the door of the office after me. A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with corner of the building. through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking God! What an exposure! What can I do?" I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the "Pray be precise as to details," said he. away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment "Ah!" "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. "The best possible." poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I photograph a cabinet?" you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding "Have you it here?" could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. them?" "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the the room while you explain this matter?" living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the "Where did he live, then?" given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove with frightened eyes at his accuser. "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis in him." "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. "None. Neville wrote those words." way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the breakfast." building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches intimate personal affairs in this public manner." "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. "They are typewritten," I remarked. fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but that I can to serve you." have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and Miss Holder?" "It may not come to that," said Holmes. "Deserted you?" as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the anything to do with the matter?" ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not me, and I could not think that his explanation of the which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "No, but the enclosure is." thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in make me his representative both with the servants and with the "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing "And you don't know his address?" "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she from you?" or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the hopeless attempt at recovering them." have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I "Perhaps I have." "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one "There is the writing." "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you James Windibank. Voilà tout!" Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made direction." Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest "What of the rat, then?" "'In my own bureau.' "Texas, I think." fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a you do it in twenty minutes!' moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the was the fact that his father should, according to his account, lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the go back?" of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that "And you can do nothing until then?" similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so "Who was the criminal, then?" through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after all that?" produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past weapon." know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending like gravel from a pit.' friend's singular character. "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking astonishment. the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a that threaten you." Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," fact, we may call it conclusive." hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other him, that man would not have given me such complete information case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently now. It seems that there had been some informality about their "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when with you alone." "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my could not account in any way for the presence of the missing there were one or two details which were new to me. But the photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is there when the Rucastles went away." there is a decided draught." "'Where to?' and glanced through. "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet obstinate." 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." had this final quarrel? cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another people in all walks of life. of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This place of silver." had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was "My own seal." to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, all that?" "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there indeed which he could not unravel. preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, "And I to find an enemy." beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled "How often?" "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a "'Why that?' I asks. Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. one's self under obligations.' away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, the south-west, I see." gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham made his money." "Did he not advertise?" waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered could gather together that I was able to avert another public me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from out of this horrible affair." in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her think you a quite exceptional woman." Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, rose-bushes. "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he giving me time to thank him. "But I am all in the dark." "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is 'I should be able to look after that for you.' "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the front of the hall door has given its name to the place. latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They "I am to be neutral?" uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. excitement. "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, Holmes' room. the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after see a sister of mine apply for." endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom Miss Holder?" "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it beg that you will break it off." he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and side. many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom power." "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? whereabouts. he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the