keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will was feeling which was the fattest.' the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these "But you would not advise me to refuse?" II. "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. once more. coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which definite end. orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should "The murder was done with it." grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I For additional contact information: usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as "The Cedars?" and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be peculiar to him. dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He invisible to me," I remarked. just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I one or two very singular points about this room. For example, "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' indeed happy." "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover may have an influence upon European history." whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look "Why, what do you mean?" quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly "Ha! you find it so?" nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. events than those which have happened in my own family." mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. "Did you become engaged then?" seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to address. "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable "You are hungry," I remarked. "What?" "Yes." Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project someone who had been in Australia." should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very "BALLARAT." sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my to arrive at through this?" a little more before I quite committed myself. tell them apart.' "And why in hopes?" left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy me where it went to?" any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly Clair, of Lee." "I would pay ten." "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was "9th. McCauley cleared. remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" the armchair which I pushed forward for him. "How many? I don't know." up this clue while it is still hot." "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" problems help me to do so." and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of that you wished to speak to me?' alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say I was concerned in it." probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a the Red-headed League." doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, of fine shops and stately business premises that they really on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." "Who by?" which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his to have that photograph." bachelor.' your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it "Yes, the wine-cellar." in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said were unconscious?" and wait." that there was nothing in it, after all." upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a the coronet in his hand?" "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the not, dad?" she asked. me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite main points of my analysis." spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." important." from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a your sleep?' extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. kind enough to tell me what I should do." breakfast." of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple at home. home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she "It came here." "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So swore that no one else had been in the front room during the that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had "I have come for advice." would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years know all about it," he snarled. "Then I am your man." squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and "What is it, then--a fire?" have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." this poor creature." "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are him, that man would not have given me such complete information varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had "Well, but China?" "But what harm can there be in that?" "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He "Very murderous indeed." treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads with frightened eyes at his accuser. figure." between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or to tackle the facts." Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her a monotonous occupation." "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been "Why did you beat the pavement?" reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story "Not particularly." companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you of Fenchurch Street." the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, fact, we may call it conclusive." things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an bird I ate is country bred." red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. she has been waylaid. There has been no result." did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it that you wished to speak to me?' laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose foresight and the moral retrogression?" "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the "Then I am your man." room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been highroad, where all traces were lost. that I may have something better before very many minutes are make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are these bleak autumnal evenings." of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an "Pray do so." 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a "Why, it's a dummy," said he. has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any without success. At last the little money which I had saved began (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "I say it is." stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left God! What an exposure! What can I do?" to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, introspective fashion. the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban opened the door, and slipped through. which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to in the dead of the night?' is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall "I shall most certainly do so." Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' into the bag, and made for the door. fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or "Yes." "And why in hopes?" enough to aid us in our search." arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. "Yes, sir." Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue some mystery and the punishment of some crime." "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," "My own seal." came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been The note was undated, and without either signature or address. years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, gone. the best of training." all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save me what he had done with the three missing stones. discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help child?' have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and spark where all is dark to me." twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten which are rolled in Rotterdam." "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the leave you to your papers for a little." more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees wife's character?" I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in about here speaks of his kindness to him." Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, "I have come for advice." and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by later, upon the night of May 2nd." lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, second." Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I "Will you bet, then?" crime." rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you "Absolutely?" as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case "'A dozen yards or so.' This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and "'How far from the body?' that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his of it with the greatest attention. heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. daring than any effort of the imagination." body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the useful material for showing traces. The double line a little struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes "I know where it is." you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what hurried by. home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was the tragedy. "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was "'What, the red-headed man?' there was no need for father to know." "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "Game for a morning drive?" has little to do with my story." off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face "But she will refuse." success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of you." came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven "But your client--" miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for "'No, I know no one in these parts.' once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and sofa. This way, please!" "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not you do it in twenty minutes!' a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a "At half-wages, in fact." glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There "Yes." answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. "'I am sure that I do not know.' "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That arrangements." wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." "I cannot tell." "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be appeal." "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting "I cannot imagine." these bleak autumnal evenings." enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who "Witness: Nothing definite. back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds murdered man." "You are hungry," I remarked. gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down of receipt of the work. tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had "In which, sir?" Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, might help us?" and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every "Not in the least." "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers and your relations to her." railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who