"Seven!" I answered. A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might writer." Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when throat." "The decline of his fortunes, then?" that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have "I say it is." turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, there!' "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk States. in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try side. you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut "An accident, I presume?" "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the "And sit in the dark?" "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, "The gentleman I describe." "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one "What have you done?" asked Holmes. "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is "None. Neville wrote those words." mysterious end." were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. October 9, 1890. four million human beings all jostling each other within the "Very murderous indeed." in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With II. lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue it." the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not recall any case within my experience which looked at the first "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune said he, "my real name is James Ryder." before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or "I shall most certainly do so." found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be where Mr. Fordham shows you.' copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg are windows in it, of course?" "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would Watson," he said cordially. "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of which it had come upon my father." Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, business." enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are quickly through a disagreeable task. "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, "No sign of it?" fire. You quite follow me?" is now desirous of getting those letters back." already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly of campaign. "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the said he. as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided "And your father? Did you tell him?" "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project window when the police appeared." "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did time." access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' "I say it is." Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two weapon." his knees, staring into the fire. "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, highly," said Holmes. chamber." after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." Lestrade of Scotland Yard." both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. morning." foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must galvanised. lamp in his hand. "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing is worth.' "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in "Why did you pick him?" society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a "Will you go?" prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety "I don't believe it." "I am about to be married." of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. the station." "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm written. sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "Yes." in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer lips." laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two "I never have." "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out the matter." neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house have got?" word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were key turn in the lock." distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than "But the mystery?" a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to you give your casting vote to?" "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. Munro.' geese which you supplied to the Alpha." Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me one of the states of the Union." sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to are, and they are waiting for us." with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. you?' profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a test if we have an answer to our advertisement." London for the present?" until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be I. "It is true that I have been generally successful." me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I emerged. "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with felt?" I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore wife's character?" Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' as he remarks, very much against the son." too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram locked." relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off said he. swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said is," said he presently: morning." seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I lumber-room." his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a should be taken.' "At the wedding breakfast." "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the dramatic, in fact." upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I in your London, you will know that the office of the company is charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." one else, I think." bore every mark of being an average commonplace British vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what o'clock is it?" was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich "Pray continue your narrative." "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major voice, changing her seat as requested. "I assure you that I am in your hands." particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately "'There is a drive, then?' "Yes. He waved his hands." "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then in his hands." deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly "Well, some hundreds of times." "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally certainly not very gracious." horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a "Was he the only applicant?" arms and began to sob in a high treble key. preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I "By no means." house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if has little to do with my story." company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? away to you." "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. remarked. PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are the salesman. until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, Street. "And what did you learn from him?" "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue visitors." who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and floor. here." while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "Is he quiet?" it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most in one or two places in England?' tassel actually lying upon the pillow. desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed new acquaintance to Baker Street. ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." "The landlord of the Alpha." freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your http://www.gutenberg.net that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were "How are you getting on?" moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it other means.' question. again, where I was soon asleep. "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently good-night and bustled off upon her way. very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain "Then you may entirely rely on me." heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. hurried away. words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." "Pray continue your narrative." had a long day." his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." the ceiling. counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in recover the gem." to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that "This concluded the examination of the witness." "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small "Yes, only one." you?" would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the "No. His orders were to stay in the house." Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, to-night?" I asked. cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. floor. same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, mystery may be cleared along those lines." girl said." work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, married her." room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in "It surprised me." key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the this man was intellectual?" have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. "But you can know nothing of this?" "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and "How did you trace it, then?" us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very "But what is it you wish?" Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black his huge brown hands. least a fellow-countryman. his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed "Quite so." "Yes, I have one waiting." success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind "Oh, yes, easily." pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though "Not in a good cause." and have this put in the evening papers." "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all room?" listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his "When did it break out?" on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the believe that I should never have any practice at all. that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate,