death." called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET "You did not overhear what they said?" "But who is he?" tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, to surprise her." for and were ordered to this address. "How can you tell that?" those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw I am not easy in my mind about them." "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak pictures, libraries, or plate. "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not from the brougham. fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no was shining brightly. his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more more solid." with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face "That is also quite modern," said the lady. roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary again." a very grave face. he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." means taking possession of that which another person has a prior deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way and your relations to her." daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon weapon." for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined are windows in it, of course?" chair. "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where followed. in one or two places in England?' why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a "'Which dealer's?' hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than for and were ordered to this address. loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your Pope's Court. "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive "Absolutely none." round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, foot. "And help." "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, such attractions and accomplishments?' a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. "Why serious?" unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after "Yes, but only for you and me." "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every which was all perfectly true. treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has system of imprisonment?" "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view back alive. uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." "Stolen." been shamefully used." Leave Paddington by the 11:15." seven miles from Eyford Station.' and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. he died? assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" "Nothing." Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have "But it has twice been burgled." "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers someone who had been in Australia." front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did fashion which was peculiar to him. wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little "The best possible." save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had London for the present?" borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and "We must sit without light. He would see it through the twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the Gutenberg-tm License. animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. that in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is so.' carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not depend upon your compliance." "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to "My last client of the sort was a king." clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." of the vacancies.' "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. "Then how many are there?" cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then confronted him. "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave the armchair which I pushed forward for him. to-night?" I asked. focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet particular state visit http://pglaf.org fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; floor. he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all presented which may be striking and bizarre without being the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her the matter." our word." made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. "Was he the only applicant?" safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and Sutherland. without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." "Yes." put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, "Pray tell us what has happened to you." "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." tension within him. of Mr. Rucastle's." matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other "I have solved it." "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. very old mansion. long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of "I think that it is very probable." "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his "'In my own bureau.' skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that geese which you supplied to the Alpha." me. You must get home instantly and act." confronted him. "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose "That also I could fathom." self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to "And when will you call?" during which he might have communicated with his friend the smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK Street. suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever without a word or a look. weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional your own bird, so if you wish--" must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, go--none." what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the heavy and sharp instrument." seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR people don't know." one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down or other trace. But how on earth--" as the one I chose?' again on its way. or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My "That is not always so easy." a room. peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen "'Most admirably.' and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and directors, with the result that you have seen." John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which conceal it?" there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another cigars in their mouths. A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came "Could he throw no light?" "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible Watson," he said cordially. he. go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. carpenter." on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the Chief Executive and Director suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had his fortune, and I went back to pa. "Well, but China?" with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able before the coroner and the police-court." "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not "What have you done?" asked Holmes. moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. distinguish the words: fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the door?" voice. conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our "My opinion is in no way altered." test if we have an answer to our advertisement." the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, crackling voice. hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "I am armed." actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My present." been with you?" With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" wedding?" threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not whether it answered to the description of any of their "No." "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings God! What an exposure! What can I do?" extraordinary contortions. "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more narrative." astonishment. were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your "I will get her to show me." who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough "In answer to an advertisement." pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the south, for the country is more deserted there." of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able "And it is--" have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each "'Tell me all about it,' said I. The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the disappearance of the bride.'" such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it "I have my revolver," said I. too. "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "How did you deduce the select?" back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. "One?" My friend smiled. "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it His name is Francis Prosper." "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was empty. Project Gutenberg-tm works. "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey signal between you and your father? It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my asked. rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all "Witness: I must still refuse. chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some to his chemical studies. Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. shoulder. met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an questionable one." repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right train.' bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may girl said." table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is "The King of Scandinavia." "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock dates and names. cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, from you?" more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court unkempt, staring out at me. the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which second window is the one that I jumped from." towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that such attractions and accomplishments?' age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and questionable one." recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door since then to throw any light upon what became of him." for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to very morning of my second wedding." hardly wander." name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of the matter." laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at