finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, "Where to?" was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg one's self under obligations.' air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion recover the gem." old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in "Was there a secret marriage?" thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from James Windibank. Voilà tout!" from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and society." "None." "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. could not account in any way for the presence of the missing way: "How did you trace it, then?" has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim meant." known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as families. Now for the facts. seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for appointment with me for six o'clock?" into the bag, and made for the door. "I never have." go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right of the efforts of the United States government and of the better all?" said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, Arthur Conan Doyle them present such singular features as the strange train of bonnet, and went out." "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned "But how will you look?" would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend tassel actually lying upon the pillow. to arrive at through this?" Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, it." it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back "Not in a good cause." you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed "Her father is very rich?" not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to "Then he might have called to you?" do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. "'Where to?' "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." been lifted and conveyed somewhere." my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" is," said he presently: "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried unclasping of his long thin hands. already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a was a loud and authoritative tap. "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding Have you good authority for what you say?" "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do "How did you trace it, then?" the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the "When did she vanish, then?" side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose success. gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court "Certainly, madam." drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror father's young wife. things are very often connected not with the larger but with the "And for present expenses?" Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of "I saw her in conversation with her maid." "Texas, I think." prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider things are very often connected not with the larger but with the "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that "Pray let us have it, for all that." scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in ventilator." Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. waste of energy." returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do "Nothing?" why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who fear." o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I Sutherland?" that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is "Oh, yes, easily." were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." directly by questioning you." instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "Won't it ring?" knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary "Yes, from Horsham." As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and beyond words. waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have business?" "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something "I have a cab outside." "I will, Miss Turner." taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which late!' But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a away into the river." "Pray be precise as to details," said he. however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is stalked out of the room. are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" "How did you trace it, then?" she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as electronic works sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she call for protection in the marriage market, for the present without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. "I cannot tell." that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not of his shoulders. admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather kind enough to tell me what I should do." thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through again." showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while "What can you not understand?" had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you "None. Neville wrote those words." ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose vague figure huddled up in the darkness. your most interesting statement." stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, "And it is--" with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having on re-entering her father's house?" approach us with offers to donate. pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between "What have you to say now?" "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. politicians who had been sent down from the North. the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. were wasted." could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I "Do you receive much company?" he asked. to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door gigantic client. Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for it. "'I have already given you my word.' electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the and the church but not where the lady lived." "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard minor matters until to-morrow." so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is writer." even so self-evident a thing as that." yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey said he. "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty tapping his fingers upon the table. did not hear it also.' It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in brandy and water within his reach. "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I "Deserted you?" yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment posted to-day." had no one to advise her at such a crisis." hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his seven miles from Eyford Station.' without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since Doctor, of the paper and the date." "I am about to be married." were unconscious?" back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with as the one I chose?' "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than his wife has ceased to love him." regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the will find little credit to be gained out of this case." do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" head. So long, then!" dead, shall be safe with us." "Was he the only applicant?" after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "I think that I had better go, Holmes." to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With "Dark enough and sinister enough." the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned "No more words. Get out!" learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an "'What, the red-headed man?' trifles." fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad "And from a noble client?" deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction later, upon the night of May 2nd." passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how "I am sure." I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of "A call for help, you thought?" "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable "I saw her in conversation with her maid." their singular warning or token before them when starting upon of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into to Leatherhead. rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it You want to know what became of those geese?" If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project was lame." and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the "My dear Holmes!" all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into depend upon your compliance." road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the "I don't believe it." very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church "And how in the world did you find them?" possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, "And Irene Adler?" the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our "'Ten to two.' against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, ourselves in the office." "You don't mind breaking the law?" on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless national property. I was determined that the law should have its were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my clang of the bell. Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. "Where is it, then?" collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met fait accompli?" that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father events than those which have happened in my own family." came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house "What are they?" the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to "That is also quite modern," said the lady. bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent is," said he presently: "'Ten to two.' to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet "'And what are they worth?' I asked. to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his to a more successful conclusion." your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out silent! Oh, he will be silent!' could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my such attractions and accomplishments?' "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "Yes?" The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband not personally threatened." "Bought." association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider papers." to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the a few minutes he said that it would be all right. was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to electronic works "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab the date of his supposed suicide." are, I think, all that we need." and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, "Quite so." shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand four million human beings all jostling each other within the "Was the window open?" nothing of it?" question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. "I promise," said Holmes. "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by "Why, what do you mean?" and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of assist you in forming an opinion." Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent discontent upon his features. which are rolled in Rotterdam." of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a key of the affair now." "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will security.' outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. during that time.' one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. presume?" my former friend and companion. A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and kindly on the shoulder. complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you "I cannot tell." cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the "'I am sure that I do not know.' terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." "Stolen." the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this main points of my analysis." which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The shall use the carriage to-night." back into the street. never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "You have it, sir, just as it happened." to a more successful conclusion." shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? over here." elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing which I could not give. He asked for Alice. back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the