deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the "What will you do, then?" India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "Which surely he restored to their owner?" has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that bed dies. Does not that strike you?" wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very "Will you bet, then?" daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his said he. wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." "You have it, sir, just as it happened." "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. or other trace. But how on earth--" outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards I am not easy in my mind about them." relief. little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it "But you would not advise me to refuse?" and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" "What have you done?" asked Holmes. reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them "To the police?" to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, "And on what day did he meet his death?" In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival "Not him." her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in in a very precise fashion." room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at "You'll never persuade me to believe that." And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off late." "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my weary and pale-looking. is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited asked with his eyes open. correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can "Which are?" "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "But his lameness?" after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, appeared upon the scene." all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I thin legs towards the fire. becomes even more simple." work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" in this note: maid will bring up your coffee." "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together me what he had done with the three missing stones. "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have to that open window." strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the think, you have already met." basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful forecastle of an emigrant ship. glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching "I beg pardon." "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I shall use the carriage to-night." St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every "What of the rat, then?" good-night and bustled off upon her way. weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out gone. running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead was a lad." his knees, staring into the fire. entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. as yours." stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I "Yes." slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" down in his armchair and closing his eyes. "I do." "But you have hopes?" are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "Nothing." with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. "It was an hour's good drive." foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' go--none." "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to beyond words. you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if might help us?" between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' noise which awoke you from your sleep?" "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent "But to whom?" slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide His smile broadened. for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by "I assure you that I am in your hands." money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and 'please.'" "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the absolutely follow my advice in every respect." "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many went to the Alpha were town bred." from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box threw himself down with his face to the pillow. so far?" a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. recall any case within my experience which looked at the first wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are in a friendly supper." after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' "They are typewritten," I remarked. half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the "Yes." business came to an end." provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive "I think that it is very probable." Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, "'What would be the hours?' I asked. young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately miles off. unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong strength of mind to control. "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a drove away. A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still your most interesting statement." could not have written that. It is the German who is so "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the call it cruel." the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We Project Gutenberg-tm works. red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." any." Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he new duties?' "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty "At the wedding breakfast." abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the "Certainly." playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn points to suicide?" think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the and the church but not where the lady lived." "The Coroner: What do you mean? impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary business matters.' be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, I think that I could be of assistance to you." "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" showing my impatience. reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the "Nothing." card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all "You think that he is dead?" "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, some terrible trap for her." "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive "Here?" day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under his forehead." attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was seen the man in the road." abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square means taking possession of that which another person has a prior death." "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the public press." "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend washing it down with a long draught of water. the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, him!" dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these at home. self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by soul! here is her carriage at the door." there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." footfalls from the street. it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. "Yes, but only for you and me." Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through "I was sure that I might rely on you." little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the "The knees of his trousers." was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But ways of our fellow-men." have accepted such a situation. "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the see me here to avoid scandal." Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible way in everything. "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's upon the sideboard." cause to be." "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and where we are going." and no precautions can guard against." "You'll never persuade me to believe that." the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of "And your mother is alive?" knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a "No?" going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, "Really! You surprise me." gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to dramatic, in fact." work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to noble correspondent could be. Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it III. unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, "You are certainly joking, Holmes." "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their she has been waylaid. There has been no result." estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the "And Miss Sutherland?" morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the retorted upon me, and I on you." civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is "There are none." "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a bed dies. Does not that strike you?" set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw had formerly been in part my own. the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself considering the formidable letters which were received by himself dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to "Then I am your man." "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes and files of the old papers, following the future career of every "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm golden eyeglasses. him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as it." down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this when your master had gone out." took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and along the entire front of the house, with three long windows followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources