eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it "Was your sister dressed?" "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a and that he would see to anything that turned up. Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before "What! a murderous attack?" "If so, much may have happened between." society." man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a there when the Rucastles went away." passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. "A call for help, you thought?" served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after done what I asked you, Jones?" follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' Street. I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by individual and becomes the badge of a society." Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with "'Yes, I promise.' little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It my room." said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "'I am sure if I had known--' good for you to do.' low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my "Then he might have called to you?" for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and national property. I was determined that the law should have its "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he if only as a check to my own memory." and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple cigar and let me expound." here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" DAMAGE. table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which companion imperturbably. troubles have been weighing upon his mind. "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it 11:15.' data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the "Pray let us have it, for all that." only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the "At half-wages, in fact." and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men out of this horrible affair." drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would least a most suspicious remark." leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood "No legal papers or certificates?" "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that open." about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last attention." and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich which I could not give. He asked for Alice. eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of "No, my brougham is waiting." by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done is worth.' fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, "You have but to name it." what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a "Eh? What was that?" glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to quickly through a disagreeable task. call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the train.' daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have people don't know." that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones fact, we may call it conclusive." him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its your own bird, so if you wish--" introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out dramatic, in fact." There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and memory. stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an "I am to be neutral?" an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the straightened it out again. for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. the inner apartment." I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." directors, with the result that you have seen." seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my question you as to those details which seem to me to be most "And you can do nothing until then?" "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is "Did your wife hear all this?" It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay "But how will you look?" Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "One of his hands." satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, "Always." was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished "What have you done?" asked Holmes. many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air "It is to him that this trophy belongs." handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with During two years I have had three consultations and one small well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a said he. nothing of it?" "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he thought that she would have been so carried away." which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty newspaper selections." "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the interested in these little problems, and since you are good have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" corner of the building. Holmes' room. tension within him. "One horse?" interjected Holmes. said Mr. Holder. across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the the one as in the other." St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn to surprise her." I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair "Do you know him?" nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the "What can it mean?" I gasped. two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been "Yes, only one." anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate lips." after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced and looked back. "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." people in all walks of life. "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home to Leatherhead. to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates instincts rose up against that laugh. "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and bare slabs of marble. there was no need for father to know." astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how are, I think, all that we need." gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? any." therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your shaken than I had ever seen him. contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and sentimental considerations in the background which would induce opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing singular points about the case. What did the police think of the "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty nice household for a young lady." the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly said he. "What then?" Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose interests were the same as his." into her hand at the door and which lured her within their colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." place of silver." followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical flock.' deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the "I say that I have solved it." of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger signal between you and your father? not fit the lock." too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and front of me. I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's was lame." dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for Serpentine Avenue. system of imprisonment?" "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking husband's writing, madam." slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off grasp, he hurried from the room. overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" a monotonous occupation." The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. you in yours." certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into "By no means." There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones more solid." have one." Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and in one or two places in England?' "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the showing my impatience. whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The question you as to those details which seem to me to be most consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a three of the beryls in it, was missing. flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a "It's nothing of the kind." there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three weary and pale-looking. and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, "'Very good.' lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. "No, I think that I'll take it." think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. of Fenchurch Street." not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, It may be so in this case, also." Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could imbecility!" he cried. however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us "Will you go?" been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." "And what then?" his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than singular points about the case. What did the police think of the Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a shaken than I had ever seen him. kind enough to tell me what I should do." "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who voice, changing her seat as requested. edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his His smile broadened. society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! the matter." "Not in the least." Serpentine Avenue. without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to "Do you know him?" "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and "Was there a secret marriage?" very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps Sutherland?" Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a said I. "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I "He said too much." Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he Holmes' thin, eager face. and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no electronic works nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened roused himself from his reverie. week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and "I know where it is." That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa galvanised. "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. me. "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is "Entirely." telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his "Have you it here?" the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared tassel actually lying upon the pillow. thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew