the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, "Well, but China?" these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that had picked up in the wood. Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and "'Where could I find him?' made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he my room." more solid." dear old homesteads?" is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should "Witness: It was. seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a must be when I saw the door open.' exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker morning." thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching she to prove their authenticity?" through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the clang of the bell. have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery was the fact that his father should, according to his account, Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly "It came here." written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been bled considerably." often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." sake, don't!" You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. everything which you would wish to know." "Could he throw no light?" dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing tell him that I know him to be innocent." freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get to his chemical studies. circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" three fields round his house, and there he would take his characteristics, but those are the more obvious." his cane at the bell-pull. few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." You want to know what became of those geese?" indiscretion." but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men unprecedented a position." dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must she to prove their authenticity?" the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, and put his glass in his pocket. very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in "'I have already given you my word.' the inner apartment." strength of mind to control. when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat means taking possession of that which another person has a prior The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she guilty one." given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying Holmes." Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project "Come in!" said he. guilty parties." thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how the nursery. as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it "ARAT," I read. when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they which our visitor detailed to us. the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." I shall communicate with you." adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and "Not social, then?" very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which make me his representative both with the servants and with the pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which "And I to find an enemy." work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the relation between them, and what the object of his repeated breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for seven miles from Eyford Station.' "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." written. himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never had a long day." system of imprisonment?" the little opening for the ventilator is." some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in the coronet in his hands?" became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now "And what did you see?" he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter His smile broadened. as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I hands. "Now, then, what's the last entry?" encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our fashion which was peculiar to him. which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon you in your example." *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house "And is that all?" mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish "My dear Holmes!" Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered since then to throw any light upon what became of him." could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which "Then how many are there?" freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the said Mr. Holder. down. Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, bird I ate is country bred." life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to "Was the window open?" "None." "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a vanished into the darkness. little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he this remarkable episode. "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the Sutherland. "'It is locked up,' I answered. passage and a tap at the door. acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers cause to be." were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the introspective fashion. insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was "I was sure that I might rely on you." Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. daring than any effort of the imagination." tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey "And on what day did he meet his death?" at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with "'What, the red-headed man?' companion. recover the gem." cheerful." congenial hunt. face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll over with notes and figures. this remarkable episode. strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, events than those which have happened in my own family." is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine of it with the greatest attention. though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and past. visitors." frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features the coronet in his hands?" the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here me what he had done with the three missing stones. the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had fuss that is made over them." speckled band?" sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but see me here to avoid scandal." first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five Holmes' thin, eager face. demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite washing it down with a long draught of water. or in danger--" It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. October 9, 1890. "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' "It was." residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us "So I am. Very much so." carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' simple cases which are so extremely difficult." while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own "But he might be a bachelor." hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest nothing of it?" public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! conceal it?" though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a "And I." "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. papers on the sundial.'" read it out to me." refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to to have been novel and of interest." highroad, where all traces were lost. "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the such person." them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the hopeless attempt at recovering them." here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not your own bird, so if you wish--" the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our mysterious end." struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm money should be paid at once.' stood on the top of it. "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time might have a private word with us. cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would persecution?" quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable details should find their way into the papers. Inspector our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but "In the cells." "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you "But you have hopes?" "No." yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, lamp. "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I pressing in one house as in another. does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where new acquaintance to Baker Street. that you can jump it.' effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this triumphant cloud from his cigarette. My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand colour had been driven from his face. and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. the loss of it. "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he you give your casting vote to?" "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for written, and locked the door of the office after me. 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more "I should like to see him very much." out of this horrible affair." "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' Surrey." "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and upon the white wrist. This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. thought that she would have been so carried away." "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in "Ha! you find it so?" trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the "Yes, all." year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been with you alone." "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are photograph?" middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the brought there to personate someone, and the real person is deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys voice. then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" me. You must get home instantly and act." case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." goes." as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. woman." whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, tell me that you intended to go into harness." Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know "And the murderer?" of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "'Which dealer's?' few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as bare slabs of marble. "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room "Yes."