slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric promised to bring home. can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." "No." upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, then?" the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; "Yes, the wine-cellar." "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." respectable self." points to suicide?" man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and "'Why that?' I asks. my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for detective. "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. foresight and the moral retrogression?" run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to "But of what society?" or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my in your London, you will know that the office of the company is know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but sound at heart." to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were me, and I could not think that his explanation of the Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which the morning and make my own way in the world.' "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, out of this horrible affair." "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. have I gained?" this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united had this final quarrel? ran thus: and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and legal crime." "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time "I don't say that. Perhaps." "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more answered with a sidelong glance. air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. suspect him." you?' "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am with you?" "Was the window open?" together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the south, for the country is more deserted there." depend upon my doing so.' the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. "Then you may entirely rely on me." Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." felt the room to be a little close.' last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He "By all means." been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I whether it answered to the description of any of their bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not room. "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, do." respectable self." of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "'What are you doing there?' he asked. body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country this as likely?" "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds "And how have you succeeded?" furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project married her." 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, in a very precise fashion." room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the that I may have something better before very many minutes are "Game for a morning drive?" not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I character. do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more "One of his hands." from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on she to prove their authenticity?" "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg "He said that you could solve anything." "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple Cross for the Continent." bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do mystery." schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent "'And what are they worth?' I asked. McCarthy's innocence. "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, seen the man in the road." horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it question you as to those details which seem to me to be most towards the blaze. right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional could go. "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence enter Dr. Roylott's room." same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman "The best possible." you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A have accepted such a situation. occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the "But we can't all be." ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying "Entirely." tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've then?" of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his DAMAGE. flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" both be extremely obliged.' with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands it? Did I buy the geese off you?" "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a "Your presence might be invaluable." "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, on in his house." soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which "You'll never persuade me to believe that." "Yes, I have one waiting." but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some it." leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side "It is half-past ten now." surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over test if we have an answer to our advertisement." round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My formed some opinion?" without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' "Get out!" said he. "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some thin legs towards the fire. "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up "Where, then?" is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall done what I asked you, Jones?" clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem little trying to do so much typewriting?" man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle Sutherland?" struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, "And you can do nothing until then?" 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's take the flies, but not before." the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very newspaper selections." the matter?" and capable of preserving a secret.' for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the "Pray do so." consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." "It was an hour's good drive." truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary before the coroner and the police-court." during the last few years, and there are many noble families to Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A it right.' "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling hands. unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at to-night." sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing said I. goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we becomes even more simple." usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent "Game for a morning drive?" little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' have been better. It is all right." whole matter to your consideration." acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to "Well?" dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had events than those which have happened in my own family." follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should figure." "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of his forehead." "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming and files of the old papers, following the future career of every maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight "I am following you closely," I answered. trifles." heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of "By train from Waterloo." while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a shag which I had seen upon the previous night. rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him him, that man would not have given me such complete information your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." present." One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with The summons was a brief and urgent one. have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; "I should be immensely obliged to you." another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads formed some opinion?" does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room of it with the greatest attention. accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her test if we have an answer to our advertisement." had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. III. usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was "Yes." nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? went to the Alpha were town bred." a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, intrusion of other matters." would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. "I see many objections to any such theory." "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the it means?" see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any been." "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell most interesting one." going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from generous with you in money matters.' had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like money should be paid at once.' other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is "Nor running a chance of arrest?" my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to chamber." "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. keep the flames under. With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was to a more successful conclusion." man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be paper in the air. "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week American. Then who could this American be, and why should he maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his "Absolutely?" records." prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not Chief Executive and Director she might be summoned. companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange purpose of examination. it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the "But I am all in the dark." locked. "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' "Yes?" He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to you give your casting vote to?" know that the truth is known." be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and "'Is purely nominal.' seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it your equipment. with you alone." been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, "Will you bet, then?" would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly "One of the highest in England." very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this behind me. "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could "Holmes, the busybody!" have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were "Thank you. And your address?" labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in "Yes." "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you sparkled upon his finger. the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she heavy and sharp instrument." were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I jewels which you have stolen?' broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For means taking possession of that which another person has a prior glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between "In answer to an advertisement."