"There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." "Yes, I have one waiting." the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in "Because he was handy and would come cheap." my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying there were one or two details which were new to me. But the In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he "Well." October 9, 1890. "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, a room. window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it I approached. settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the vanished into the darkness. son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of horse could go." who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush forehead. his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As straightened it out again. and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying always that they were such commands as a lady might with it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's you want, then?' and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring "I cannot as yet see any connection." suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little furiously. and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. "But what is it you wish?" Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was "Then you may entirely rely on me." as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was "Of what day?" the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a it. see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "Really! You surprise me." directors, with the result that you have seen." snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, "Have you her photograph?" explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the this poor creature." "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an "But she will refuse." shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the orange pips. I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking "Stolen." article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his "No, I had a dozen." all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included floor. With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you strode off upon his way. Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled legal crime." "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. south, for the country is more deserted there." "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, of a light. since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached new acquaintance to Baker Street. minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, night.' said he. and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is wedding?" them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not that he has suffered." feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" "My opinion is in no way altered." Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his felt?" go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets kindly on the shoulder. unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. useful material for showing traces. The double line a little "No." a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an experiences." to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a singular points about the case. What did the police think of the only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. business matters.' he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time "Yes." for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into ago." "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "An accident, I presume?" cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, of the vacancies.' for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be voice, changing her seat as requested. "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as "What can you not understand?" possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of not personally threatened." THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of "The rest you will leave in our hands." such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the The police have openly confessed that they can at present make "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there only touch the interest." I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and "'Yes, I promise.' the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a voice, changing her seat as requested. "And Irene Adler?" for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my "It's nothing of the kind." 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and read it out to me." "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "'Ten to two.' until night should bring an explanation. a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the asked. It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the stepfather?" or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the "Your presence might be invaluable." found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, more solid." behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, back alive. the very morning of the wedding." most important business. It is probable that he will be away all who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced better grown goose." upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box the Assizes." "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall which was all perfectly true. the child." scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to me what he had done with the three missing stones. moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, Pool. "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than how narrow had been my escape. should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." "In answer to an advertisement." "I cannot say that I have." lost nothing by them." "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. populous neighbourhood." be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had tightly behind him. "No, but the enclosure is." knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. strange features which were associated with the two crimes which "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and you do it in twenty minutes!' chance." suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of outsides of the windows. daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be existence." my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting disappearance of the bride.'" bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place my little problems." "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys "Yes." held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was "'Ten to two.' know what is wrong with it.' glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps distinguish the words: What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "Certainly." One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off cost them two and thirty pounds." married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little "Which are?" "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by the running down." "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." quickly through a disagreeable task. "Yes, sir." to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" about. woven round him. "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her all that?" violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His *** START: FULL LICENSE *** "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the some mystery and the punishment of some crime." learned something! Where are the gems?" resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "And now?" He raised his hand. "Well." the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with "The decline of his fortunes, then?" this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over memory. "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, excitement. into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the pictures, libraries, or plate. I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. "You'll never persuade me to believe that." feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few "I guessed as much." number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life My friend smiled. "You have a clue?" was used.' will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master upon a handsome competence. burst into a hearty fit of laughter. course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." fatally injured? "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our was not a bird to be seen there. It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, mystery may be cleared along those lines." that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a such person." of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "Seven!" I answered. call it cruel." or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project were unconscious?" Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see "I have my revolver," said I. "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, with you alone." "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' meant it for the best. was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "You have compromised yourself seriously." lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been the bed, and you in that chair." himself. she slowly sank and died without having recovered her married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove IS "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. interest. They are important, you understand, without being relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the