three of the beryls in it, was missing. only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and arrested. You then--" Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery For additional contact information: stalked out of the room. "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a learned something! Where are the gems?" this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle present." "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, that the gas is not laid on in his house?" Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing noble correspondent could be. eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. before the coroner and the police-court." swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you be sorry for having acted so harshly." national property. I was determined that the law should have its "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend highroad, where all traces were lost. of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' matter over." "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the heavily into it. but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical crime." Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what "Won't it ring?" family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a all-comprehensive glances. mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly character. the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' would then never go into court at all." While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the footfalls from the street. accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out nonsense.' "Thank you. And your address?" "But his left-handedness." woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings late!' "No, but the enclosure is." "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious works. over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the that you wished to speak to me?' card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "Absolutely?" bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a ways of our fellow-men." Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time "The doctor?" into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, "And you don't know his address?" decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's "Your sister is dead, then?" London for the present?" grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has will take you up to see the machine.' state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence desk. Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. main points of my analysis." estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out way in everything. pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. said he. him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All 1.F. though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. completely overtopped every other consideration that we both You want to know what became of those geese?" side. the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, obstinate." upon the shelf for the interim." family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at situation." workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your For additional contact information: "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective "But you have hopes?" "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they for and were ordered to this address. bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the 'please.'" our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the "He is still with you, I presume?" was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over "Very well, sir. And this stone?" seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet careless servant girl?" Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been in the hope of finding them." think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The me upon any point which I do not make clear." "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, "I have a cab outside." "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying London for the present?" carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it "I answered that I had not. wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." 'I should be able to look after that for you.' "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a this as likely?" face and glided from the room. "Indeed! Whose, then?" sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close character. see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must fled together." nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to "That is not always so easy." those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's "From his hat?" that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round his grey eyes. "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without second." be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project "An accident, I presume?" with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which cost them two and thirty pounds." down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most upon the shelf for the interim." other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "My Mary? Impossible!" "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the awkward doing business with an alias." three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my have I gained?" "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the gbnewby@pglaf.org suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. annoyance, but no jest. in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "Which surely he restored to their owner?" them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the breakfast?" yards of it?' us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white "By no means." thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "Yes." and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "One of the highest in England." passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased on in his house." conversation I have gathered that they have been married about parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so unclasping of his long thin hands. We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a you, my dear young lady?' bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." this Miss Turner." minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with way in everything. XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible "I have a cab outside." his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual your only hope of safety." pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of rat could hardly pass through." "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "'Why that?' I asks. strength of mind to control. quite distinctive." in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "Yes, all." side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the "Very murderous indeed." undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then fear." for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and more terrible than the truth. occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of tightly behind him. took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "I should like to see him very much." slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "But not more so than I to find you." I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether "Yes." the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother the morning and make my own way in the world.' carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were and prosperity to your house. Good-night." stammered. and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an "I saw her in conversation with her maid." was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover Pope's Court, Fleet Street." even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that Edgeware Road. bonnet, and went out." reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker too. God! What an exposure! What can I do?" than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a Foundation "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first drove away. unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, heavy and sharp instrument." his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had tail." of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was know what is wrong with it.' "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow "Nothing?" "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." point in the dark hollow of his hand. back to my heart. he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well them present such singular features as the strange train of threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as "Nothing." found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked into the bag, and made for the door. ways including including checks, online payments and credit card God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy careless servant girl?" head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very throat." bed dies. Does not that strike you?" Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in it." multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a quickly through a disagreeable task. without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, "Whose house is it?" "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police "By train from Waterloo." could not account in any way for the presence of the missing deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of "Holmes, the busybody!" "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I "Ample." Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was that, and I came down." forbidden door. "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions "You know me, then?" have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' "What, then, did Peterson do?" "'Never.' better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would "And the murderer?"