"It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he the armchair which I pushed forward for him. latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did "And why in hopes?" While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now occupations.' possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way the general public were present, then?" drove away. had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There all that?" a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white of note-paper. It read in this fashion: from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "'Where could I find him?' "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic upon the white wrist. spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white the devil!" advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." showing my impatience. and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the indeed which he could not unravel. Surrey." "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method "How did he come?" minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their and shall probably return to London by the evening train." crowd. "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had all that?" practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say "It is a murder, then?" prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if investigation." idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the "The rest you will leave in our hands." "I do." opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately other, as fresh and trim as possible. cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just some place of shelter and let the county police know what has and a shock of very red hair. keep the flames under. "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight whatever might befall. 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is would then never go into court at all." which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a "That is also quite modern," said the lady. say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. "How are you getting on?" lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was kindly on the shoulder. probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the "I assure you that I am in your hands." wedding?" these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad even so self-evident a thing as that." she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At back to my heart. upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the "Ample." be.' been able to understand it, in a very few words. benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until "Never." overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and "At what time?" admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" villagers almost as much as their master. she might be summoned. the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of "You forget that I know nothing about it." before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went mysterious business." out." bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have My friend smiled. prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the forehead. that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest drove away. the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the "'As governess?' could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should the stable lane now." "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year derbies." "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, "Yes." Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A tapping his fingers upon the table. she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then McCarthy's innocence. had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her approach us with offers to donate. mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' affection." mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it telegram would bring me down to your help." Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a there is a decided draught." writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day round and wave him away like that.' are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more "Stoke Moran?" said he. "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is occupations.' 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied think, you have already met." "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations "You did not overhear what they said?" point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If tied." journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose points in connection with it which never have been, and probably remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously tell them apart.' him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" Pool. allusion to a rat. "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with "Yes, only one." "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a "Was your sister dressed?" done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner head. So long, then!" "In the cells." he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously to-night?" I asked. granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house upon the sideboard." "What office?" "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough before the coroner and the police-court." very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took "That is it on the dressing-table." maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens which was all perfectly true. St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should not within a twentieth part of the market price." was once confined in the cab my mission was practically pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress closely." Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, at home. official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family "Very much so." glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it stalked out of the room. they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped said he at last. afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, Miss Holder?" "One of his hands." "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told "Who by?" Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson "What office?" to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the "I cannot tell." and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the chance at all." "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just "Look there!" said he. "How did he come?" "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been "Where did you address your letters, then?" thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE "I assure you that I am in your hands." she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your excitement. deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as "In heaven's name, what for?" "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, "Well, but China?" up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to "'About the same.' fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, of." "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that "Yes, the wine-cellar." "My private note-paper." together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless cost them two and thirty pounds." "Entirely." "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her second." a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." all?" said I. words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed "Yes, at the mines." mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate desk. "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." "In the cells." pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the cause to be." "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. sneer upon his pale face. Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid could gather together that I was able to avert another public "It was a confession," I ejaculated. "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes "Get out!" said he. put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my details." he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, "At the wedding breakfast." the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, "And you thought he was pulled back?" made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he "Have you it here?" his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to burst into a hearty fit of laughter. to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the could not have written that. It is the German who is so passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, village inn over there?" of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" his eyes and forehead. summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen Serpentine Avenue. with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and Eyford at 11:15.' himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella cheerful." here and I will read it to you: XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, "Precisely so. But how--" "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to "I warn you that they are very incomplete." once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the overpowering excitement and concern. seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and "Because he was handy and would come cheap." of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. "It is his hat." base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, there were so many in the whole country as were brought together moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that call the police, let the police find what they can.' "Oh, yes, easily." the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very "Which surely he restored to their owner?" "And how did he make his money?" we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we "Yes." "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon any little problem which you may submit to me." copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the past. was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no the Red-headed League." weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me tapping his fingers upon the table. pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do "'A dozen yards or so.' fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was salesman. "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover "And what then?" anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left "Always." question you as to those details which seem to me to be most out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. sufficient punishment." has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. "Won't it ring?" "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as fatally injured? paper in the air. filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, said Mr. Holder. over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. companion imperturbably. Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake."