laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent "None." have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself the ceiling. yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She "Then what has happened to him?" could not have written that. It is the German who is so "My stepfather's business papers." his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the the bottom.' "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced this Miss Turner." the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is "Yesterday." be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, Henry Baker is a member." "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm fish-monger and a tide-waiter." corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then and a shock of very red hair. "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet flock.' again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and "You are all wrong." Pope's Court. the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be village inn over there?" with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project once more. this unhappy family?" which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your "He disappeared so suddenly." two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in and the church but not where the lady lived." some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her newspaper selections." first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, Cross for the Continent." to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my and have this put in the evening papers." Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the conduct the inquiry." and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up "It certainly sounds feasible." had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may "How on earth--" electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to situation." name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will it." rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' "But his lameness?" work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" quickly through a disagreeable task. borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was the little opening for the ventilator is." information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from "Precisely." thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him "My dear Holmes!" Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project "Never." of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too was the fact that his father should, according to his account, "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he this as likely?" would apply.' the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the wedding?" of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have could go. "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. not personally threatened." "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, "Witness: It was. look upon these things in a different way." is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. could not have written that. It is the German who is so visitors." known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that this as likely?" effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, crowd. usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET "Yes, he did." John Swain, of St. Augustine. of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all "I saw her in conversation with her maid." her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the cause to be." central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of formed some opinion?" age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden him. "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. carried out of court." wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I which was all perfectly true. remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "And Miss Sutherland?" "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. "We were both in the photograph." forbidden door. "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into matter." "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A most important business. It is probable that he will be away all furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it "Indeed! Whose, then?" against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, husband's writing, madam." and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or "'It is locked up,' I answered. fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she "Do you go out much in society?" "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That there in twenty minutes." on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates at home. dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that papers on the sundial.'" lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions the date of his supposed suicide." from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news you for a few hours?" girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your "I have seen the police." of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of passage and a tap at the door. company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some and put his glass in his pocket. page at http://pglaf.org "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent meant." wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under as he remarks, very much against the son." That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we shall not find me ungrateful." but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing over here." impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay "And how did you verify them?" "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe which I could not give. He asked for Alice. ill-usage at the hands of fortune. (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without since then to throw any light upon what became of him." "On Monday." turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were American. Then who could this American be, and why should he I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned this unhappy family?" "Have you it here?" "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if better in every way that they should make their position a little large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is "I know where it is." "I see no marks." himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire "No, I think that I'll take it." applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in been able to understand it, in a very few words. morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. three of the beryls in it, was missing. robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check future lives." McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that "Oh, fresh and glossy." happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been most important business. It is probable that he will be away all return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic indiscretion." The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours his forehead." to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, one of them." plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. guilty parties." professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police been anything against him. He had for years been known as a for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the 'please.'" of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so "Where did he live, then?" I think that I could be of assistance to you." classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he "'What do you call purely nominal?' "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or "Texas, I think." conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as drawing your inferences." questionable one." and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my redistribution. took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once upon the sideboard." one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed You can understand that this register and diary may implicate "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her "Very much so." hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "Frequently." diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, me where it went to?" "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard pity, because in other respects you would really have done very of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came kindly on the shoulder. "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this the coronet in his hand?" the matter." forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side I think that I could be of assistance to you." into the bag, and made for the door. doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO hurried away. Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" come either from the window or the door. My attention was "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the The note was undated, and without either signature or address. may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. together. "I guessed as much." should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in the coronet in his hands?" "9th. McCauley cleared. suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would I approached. which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, me, and I could not think that his explanation of the accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have more solid." bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and the morning and make my own way in the world.' served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let his huge brown hands. "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. interest. They are important, you understand, without being which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of "And how did you find out?" About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. companion. "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, for and were ordered to this address. "What is it, then--a fire?" "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." "At half-wages, in fact." And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This fish-monger and a tide-waiter." butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did presume?" instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean written. and the church but not where the lady lived." without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two "That sounds a little paradoxical." "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room vague figure huddled up in the darkness. but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was in the port of London." though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. his forehead." "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; in the hope of finding them." very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their correct than the official force." like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were business matters.' to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "We have tried and failed." her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly of note-paper. It read in this fashion: "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced "She told me to ask you." open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, for the market.' professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution "'What would be the hours?' I asked. wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock drawing your inferences." "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the there has been an enclosure here!" "Do you receive much company?" he asked. the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a once more on the important position which you have been fortunate My friend smiled. have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were this truth that in these little records of our cases which you on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but "'Tell me all about it,' said I. "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was call you and give you the chance." seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in