"About a month then." little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were "'Yes, sir.' Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side events, Mr. Windibank!" urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in seen the man in the road." "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." sneer upon his pale face. am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the From what you have told me I think that it is possible that had this final quarrel? not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, "If so, much may have happened between." "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will held up the lantern and gazed about him. of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it "You heard nothing yourself last night?" way: orange pips. at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "Where did you address your letters, then?" father's place of business?" "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from "In answer to an advertisement." these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was little adventures." once more to my work. person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was in this way: some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the green of the new foliage. prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless "To the police?" the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." power." upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the vault. disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had and it need not interfere very much with one's other stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, depend upon my doing so.' monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & unclasping of his long thin hands. at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." think that he is innocent?" "Certainly." cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend will take you up to see the machine.' Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. situation." be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert his grey eyes. He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out to-night?" I asked. son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that "No legal papers or certificates?" hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive "They are typewritten," I remarked. bore every mark of being an average commonplace British Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his "And the murderer?" Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, upon a handsome competence. "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House he bowed and left the room without another word. alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera pity, because in other respects you would really have done very time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a pity, because in other respects you would really have done very bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do "So I am. Very much so." "But to whom?" "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable Sutherland?" in your London, you will know that the office of the company is the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal ready to-morrow?' him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind guilty one." gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know "Ample." the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. happened." lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "I have my revolver," said I. "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black up this clue while it is still hot." "By no means." his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. papers diligently of late, have you not?" collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his in your London, you will know that the office of the company is "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened "I would pay ten." collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an you in yours." correct than the official force." Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents "But who is he?" actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make "She will not sell." He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we McCarthy." prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under "'Yes, sir.' came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond "'Where to?' actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, During two years I have had three consultations and one small moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see "Very. But will he see it?" Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." closing the door. your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt "How did that help you?" the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, brought there to personate someone, and the real person is "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of "He is still with you, I presume?" Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the What do you deduce from it?" Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that "And why?" male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was until night should bring an explanation. "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are handed it to him. forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his "Did he not advertise?" "I say that I have solved it." any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw several quiet little villages up there." As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little a little more before I quite committed myself. sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he "'I shall certainly be there.' middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, "'Tell me all about it,' said I. possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police the bed, and you in that chair." disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the forebodings. "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not stammered. near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp away in different directions, and I went off to make my own about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have "BALLARAT." "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with like gravel from a pit.' your only hope of safety." "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the his fortune, and I went back to pa. Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "No." I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this down from London to inquire more deeply into it." an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far anything to do with the matter?" doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." time." "That also I could fathom." "You horrify me!" ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging silent! Oh, he will be silent!' heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' in the port of London." look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his direction." "What will you say?" "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. promised to bring home. glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He It was close upon four before the door opened, and a the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an you." "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I "I guessed as much." serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, "The vanishing of the lady." light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of "Who by?" expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a skylight. remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of "And help." wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead "But you were on a friendly footing?" "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect "Do you receive much company?" he asked. "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob gone before you can get him to hospital." and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled "I would pay ten." deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and arrested. You then--" passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for "So it appears." slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was "That is unusual in a young girl." however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without beyond words. more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." "How long did she speak to this Alice?" down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he was already answered. "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." examination of the premises, but without finding anything which dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, daring than any effort of the imagination." confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked the running down." Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in the matter." Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each must be when I saw the door open.' "I cannot as yet see any connection." "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no "What! You do not mean bodies?" will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the giving me time to thank him. Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are your equipment. "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his villagers almost as much as their master. the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle is acting for the best. headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same awkward doing business with an alias." "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "What shall I do?" "He might." I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had she used." unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is "Won't it ring?" and your relations to her." to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my "Get out!" said he. of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the advice." massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was once more for Briony Lodge. base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I little adventures." vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you keep the flames under. impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and correct than the official force." some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has crime. immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune correct than the official force." that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical during which he might have communicated with his friend the with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the the address that was given us in the advertisement. your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" affection." from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to "'Tell me all about it,' said I. through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John "What will you say?" "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." "To an English lawyer named Norton." "'Yes.' But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: their singular warning or token before them when starting upon enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far ordinary clothes on?" months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has other, as fresh and trim as possible. homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." you." self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very "Yes, sir." "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the "To an English lawyer named Norton." "'I am sure that I do not know.' body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a you found me to-night--and running through the front room she does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" you." heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further everything which you would wish to know." likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see