might help us?" case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are very old mansion. business at Coburg Square is serious." scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four "Was she in good spirits?" not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover it right.' "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the enough to aid us in our search." are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical this as likely?" "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed tail." "It looks newer than the other things?" consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I James Windibank. Voilà tout!" maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran excitement. clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' "Perhaps we may make them less so." as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted "It may not come to that," said Holmes. Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. fait accompli?" years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a papers diligently of late, have you not?" the matter?" the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." completely overtopped every other consideration that we both "Bought." he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in "Precisely so. But how--" "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent has little to do with my story." the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would do.' "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud feature." Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' "I see no marks." of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, lumber-room." have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, himself to tell his story. (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and to where he stood hid behind the curtain. "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that "And your mother is alive?" child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a this remarkable episode. top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open weary and pale-looking. for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke about here speaks of his kindness to him." "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little "I warn you that they are very incomplete." showing my impatience. fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism could go. Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter lumber-room." said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. "'In my own bureau.' "The Coroner: What do you mean? preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. "Where, indeed?" a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. excitement. "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your that I can to serve you." what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and "I cannot as yet see any connection." breakfast." would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' lips." charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the carried out of court." the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was "'Yes, I promise.' once more. weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked stepfather?" of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," appeared upon the scene." could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective I approached. Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "Which surely he restored to their owner?" keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that my special province." mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried "'I am sure if I had known--' may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments into the room. individual and becomes the badge of a society." "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away "How can you tell that?" some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in posted to-day." delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring "Not in a good cause." "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" a room. "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. seem to you to be relevant or not." "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the fish-monger and a tide-waiter." from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous "It is no ordinary one." deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, present." learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you "Did you observe the colour?" XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of bird I ate is country bred." opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and had formerly been in part my own. struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an prepare for the new role I have to play." "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the Dr. Gregory B. Newby was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which mystery!" at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by "And how did you find out?" Have you good authority for what you say?" lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six conceal it?" Clair, of Lee." the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who weapon." which it had come upon my father." "Well, some hundreds of times." there were one or two details which were new to me. But the "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to "And who is her maid?" I took the paper from him and read as follows: woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. "And for present expenses?" fait accompli?" As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his "'Yes, it was gone.' collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no to his chemical studies. "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at redistribution. prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a "I shall be delighted." Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the most interesting one." mystery." particular state visit http://pglaf.org "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it constraint." "Perhaps I have." answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece "And I say east," said my patient. "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a where we are going." front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in fish-monger and a tide-waiter." have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' "And why?" adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." But Holmes shook his head gravely. moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it October 9, 1890. rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six "No sign of it?" opened a pocket-book and took out a note. and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always straightened it out again. without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must do.' man. I know him from the photograph." come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a "Whose house is it?" anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." allusion to a rat. beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the married her." half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your think that he is innocent?" dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm key of the affair now." poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I noise which awoke you from your sleep?" you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of "I answered that I had not. facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." be.' prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "I will get her to show me." "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." read it out to me." foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, "'Not at all. I only doubt--' business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little http://www.gutenberg.net astonishment. she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, "It is no ordinary one." "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in "I say that I have solved it." I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." heavily into it. them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem "I guessed as much." developed." named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. humiliation." which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had "I came to find a friend." PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional point in the dark hollow of his hand. instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "Two days later this same performance was gone through under "Her father is very rich?" "Why? What do you mean?" "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." think you a quite exceptional woman." Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. "Yes, it was twisted." Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. "But you would not advise me to refuse?" were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but examine." fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. shall not find me ungrateful." "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing opened a pocket-book and took out a note. he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one "It is his hat." only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He "I think it very unlikely." "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which fattened it expressly for you.' Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" "It is a murder, then?" column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I "He said that you could solve anything." distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man "Yes, but only for you and me." long narrative. "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was felt?" James Windibank. Voilà tout!" held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened bed dies. Does not that strike you?" will he say when he returns?" the stable lane now." There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and down in his armchair and closing his eyes. these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us occurred." Lestrade of Scotland Yard." carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the