that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' John Swain, of St. Augustine. be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for relief. nonsense.' office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have "'What then?' I asked. behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" not fit the lock." "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. you." and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking "That you are never beaten." should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your could gather together that I was able to avert another public "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord this unhappy family?" the general public were present, then?" "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a writing, and yet I know it well." fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." my former friend and companion. Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. quick march!" Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it "Your French gold?" into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang get the tickets." made his money." noble correspondent could be. "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but you?" familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is Pope's Court. labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was outside." opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of stammered. ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and carriage. It was a chestnut." "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of his face. "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his "You will not go there first?" advice." should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, morning." week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to roused himself from his reverie. "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a troubles have been weighing upon his mind. way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend The telegram which we eventually received came late one night smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, have been better. It is all right." continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon the night.' Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or was used.' performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each "But his left-handedness." even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See "Two days later this same performance was gone through under "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "On Monday." quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir which should have the effect of calling the attention of the words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "My photograph." frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened carried out of court." "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a as he folded up the epistle. "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was during that time.' death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies asked. these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think carpenter." house for five minutes.' took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns Doctor, of the paper and the date." at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously "Pray be precise as to details," said he. most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." "Yes, the wine-cellar." the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right "I am armed." good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no answer." meant." of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as placed his cuttings. which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward it? Did I buy the geese off you?" was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk "But your client--" was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' which should have the effect of calling the attention of the in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for have been better. It is all right." rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' appeal." eavesdroppers?' INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and Pool. from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight From what you have told me I think that it is possible that you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my bill, which interests me deeply." "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his "'As governess?' room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated had picked up in the wood. this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I corner of the building. Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property "Yes, only one." as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for mysterious business." rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. detective. International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make people in all walks of life. demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone is a common subject for conversation. "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from "I was sure that I might rely on you." have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they been with you?" little trying to do so much typewriting?" and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I "Pray do so." there." of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' client, rising. interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a matter." third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all passage and a tap at the door. the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the article?" and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some "You forget that I know nothing about it." in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it you came in." having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity "What! You do not mean bodies?" Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no It may be so in this case, also." His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "Come in!" said he. labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has that he will be back before evening." is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be "'You cannot say what it was?' that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's second window is the one that I jumped from." at home. gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is "What is it?" my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her the Red-headed League." broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last joking. "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, undoubtedly my uncle's." Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at points to suicide?" "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and gentleman's clothes. see me here to avoid scandal." returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of the salesman. down from London to inquire more deeply into it." mystery." "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried enough to aid us in our search." invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no persecution?" his fortune, and I went back to pa. opportunities to fix the problem. family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. something of him before." jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated "None." everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the affection." he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the distance from the station, and there we found the young lady of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" and capable of preserving a secret.' ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, respectable self." "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the just ask you whether you had heard it.' "At what time?" "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even "Dark enough and sinister enough." without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it of it with the greatest attention. the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon any." it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend within hail.' Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under waste of energy." Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, certainly do as you advise." "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That the tragedy. grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses interested in these little problems, and since you are good As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an gone. works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his "I have a cab outside." professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you "And did you observe any change in her then?" back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking least a fellow-countryman. allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried and have this put in the evening papers." however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a imbecility!" he cried. But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you "I will try. What is it?" bearing upon the case." If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my the coronet in his hand?" sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was amused." "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." note?" my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and fled together." The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went is so. I know all about McCarthy." immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet "At the wedding breakfast." Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and "Yes, that is the Crown." there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which "Perhaps I have." "Precisely." blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I