Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose "No sign of it?" do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." papers on the sundial.'" to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every have been better. It is all right." "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." less than 26s. 4d. was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. on in his house." upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came awkward doing business with an alias." and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I My friend smiled. There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most "It was an hour's good drive." "Why? What do you mean?" humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling definite end. "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, cup of tea. in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business completely overtopped every other consideration that we both concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. "So I am. Very much so." "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." danger is over." this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain the house with me." and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for friends, not even his own brother. conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the "Did you become engaged then?" house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, eat it." "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us "'Why that?' I asks. "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much cause to be." few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able man. secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be children over to America with him, so that I found myself without Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "When did it break out?" in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. You can understand that this register and diary may implicate "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. and have this put in the evening papers." case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which you found me to-night--and running through the front room she "Of what day?" suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be could gather together that I was able to avert another public SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink was keenly on my guard against him. "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "Why did you pick him?" waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was envelope. have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. "'Yes, I promise.' case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of never will be, entirely cleared up. you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, "I shall be delighted." Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of said he. of fine shops and stately business premises that they really down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." gentleman's clothes. "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, "Not particularly." lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. "'Yes, sir.' "One of his hands." hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his be sorry for having acted so harshly." to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the my little problems." humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling Pool. I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to "Nothing." "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, perplexity from it to my illustrious client. she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass do.' rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the within hail.' "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands "Then what has happened to him?" column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must of fine shops and stately business premises that they really that he has suffered." "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The "I cannot say that I have." immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, quickly through a disagreeable task. elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant he died? other lovers by making love himself." would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully down from London to inquire more deeply into it." "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and trying to your nerves." and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey is worth.' "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps said he. The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only extraordinary contortions. cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. see me here to avoid scandal." the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah yards of it?' "Then what has happened to him?" tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but "Yes, at the mines." hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view said I. "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" could not account in any way for the presence of the missing in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have coroner's jury." whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers this unhappy family?" sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was flock.' spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very page at http://pglaf.org "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and noble correspondent could be. little trying to do so much typewriting?" The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which "I will try. What is it?" He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet be.' just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, one of the states of the Union." unprofitable." end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, think that he is innocent?" was feeling which was the fattest.' and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until be sorry for having acted so harshly." I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. golden eyeglasses. "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." recall any case within my experience which looked at the first already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or was a perfect sample of the class. where she found matters as described by the last witness. glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily cigar and let me expound." dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and quite distinctive." sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that "But not more so than I to find you." Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his discontent upon his features. 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man answered with a sidelong glance. called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she husband's writing, madam." connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a sooner or later she must fall a victim. blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he directors have had misgivings upon the subject." during that time.' twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. cheerful." "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be hurried by. be best to do. thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended for the market.' dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that "'Stolen!' he cried. rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," Literary Archive Foundation "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be empty. "Stolen." The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own "Dr. Becher's." because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily "Yes." noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my pound a week." "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her maiden herself was most instructive." in this note: this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the business matters.' present." nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up "'I am sure that I do not know.' is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "What?" One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left best detective that ever lived. instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were she slowly sank and died without having recovered her engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" he. work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification all-comprehensive glances. danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. words came to my lips. buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, since then to throw any light upon what became of him." Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into my special province." hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he or in danger--" watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "What then?" suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst "And how did you find out?" could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to "It missed him, then?" copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the good-night and bustled off upon her way. cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the country, and eventually married, without anyone having a of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer them?" Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "How did that help you?" "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the "And Irene Adler?" guilty parties." house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which three fields round his house, and there he would take his utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the in his power. Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so "That is it on the dressing-table." "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and narrative." horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." never will be, entirely cleared up. "Yes, but only for you and me." idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a "Then how many are there?" "She told me to ask you." children over to America with him, so that I found myself without rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left in a friendly supper." passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of remarked. insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, will he say when he returns?"