brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique had this final quarrel? in my life." which are rolled in Rotterdam." "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project locked." conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, outsides of the windows. taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you "Precisely." bird I ate is country bred." there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I helping a boy to put up the shutters. beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about village inn over there?" Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than London for the present?" The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. once more for Briony Lodge. straightened it out again. which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private individual and becomes the badge of a society." even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with as the one I chose?' wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite I. would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear electronic works plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely tail." carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere "At the wedding breakfast." "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons "What have you to say now?" "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. them present such singular features as the strange train of for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it "And Irene Adler?" Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my something of him before." consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter "He is still with you, I presume?" populous neighbourhood." first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "And you thought he was pulled back?" the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to friends, not even his own brother. goes." "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I conceal it?" peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business you understand?" that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened "Yes, sir." soul! here is her carriage at the door." Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your as he folded up the epistle. you came in." Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon prisoner's face. playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "Of what?" "So I am. Very much so." attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. vanished into the darkness. suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep green of the new foliage. you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows to take care of herself." "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are into the bag, and made for the door. list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." fishes. the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. away into the river." "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before "No. His orders were to stay in the house." "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the that I am arrested." "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday subject to the trademark license, especially commercial necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham considering the formidable letters which were received by himself to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then her also." "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has "Has he come with you to-night?" upon an income of about 60 pounds." attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." case before our client came into the room." stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be once more on the important position which you have been fortunate in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying "At half-wages, in fact." as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful "Because he was handy and would come cheap." gone before you can get him to hospital." important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman details." "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the examine." McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the his knees, staring into the fire. think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg 11:15.' counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way all?" "Will you go?" McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be charged with?" little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we corner of the building. already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the "What! You do not mean bodies?" clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. soul! here is her carriage at the door." came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, too. "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked "Yes, that is the Crown." the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." into the bag, and made for the door. "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the His smile broadened. "And how in the world did you find them?" snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing and looked back. quite distinctive." fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the "'Certainly,' I answered. "Well, it is a possible supposition." us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" coat-tails." pity, because in other respects you would really have done very "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door me have 200 pounds?' possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I to a more successful conclusion." old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been window when the police appeared." "Awake, Watson?" he asked. "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want "Yes, from Horsham." which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, "But we can't all be." morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little "I warn you that they are very incomplete." "'Where could I find him?' "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, village inn over there?" Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and the nursery. "Very. But will he see it?" bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom Heh?' that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an "Well, but China?" our word." request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And joking. mysterious business." "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried "And how did he make his money?" clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. we went to search for him, face downward in a little lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated "Ten will be early enough." gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which was it brought him the coronet? "I see no marks." was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most distinguish the words: pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and against a man in the prime of life?" I am not easy in my mind about them." long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly "It looks newer than the other things?" we went to search for him, face downward in a little "But what is it you wish?" "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for floor. gentleman's clothes. "What will you say?" a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery the nursery. the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and burst out into a roar of laughter. actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this child?' wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in until night should bring an explanation. the very morning of the wedding." pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs "I don't say that. Perhaps." characteristics, but those are the more obvious." eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William lost nothing by them." "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after "'Oh, no.' science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or me, and I could not think that his explanation of the and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two in his power. exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties upon a handsome competence. assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I "From his hat?" his forehead." us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, you found me to-night--and running through the front room she province." "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he as noiselessly as she had come. bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with down from London to inquire more deeply into it." which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." details." The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he all-comprehensive glances. "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From learned something! Where are the gems?" feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never "At the wedding breakfast." As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man four million human beings all jostling each other within the had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few girl said." "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my in my life." ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." and effective." impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." yards of it?' was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not said Mr. Holder. especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the "Has he come with you to-night?" "No good news?" "Yes, that is the Crown." family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been crime." in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the along the entire front of the house, with three long windows swore that no one else had been in the front room during the "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, III. have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been "It is to him that this trophy belongs." Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so triumphant cloud from his cigarette. with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of conceal it?" grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his business?" attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best when your master had gone out." another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or stammered. like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." "Her father is very rich?" The police have openly confessed that they can at present make autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I burst out into a roar of laughter. "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and "She will not sell." pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with "But I am all in the dark." imbecility!" he cried. better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite newspaper selections." never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring him to be an active member of the medical profession." our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, "Then he might have called to you?" half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was followed. Countess of Morcar's?" sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let "'Yes, it was gone.' memory. has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far house for five minutes.' really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and "It is possible." "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend in him." "Yes." said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the danger is over." third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be garden below. "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny