"'Oh, no, it is in the house.' already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe prisoner's face. Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he depend upon my doing so.' leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress test if we have an answer to our advertisement." corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of "'It is locked up,' I answered. landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET to surprise her." perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over http://www.gutenberg.net "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' back alive. "'I am sure that I do not know.' "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with more terrible than the truth. "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager several quiet little villages up there." License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from You can understand that this register and diary may implicate those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small "Perhaps we may make them less so." to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong "How are you getting on?" "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of This is what he says: brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added Holmes' thin, eager face. "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. chair. person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was "It is his hat." to where he stood hid behind the curtain. "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you success. Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I quite distinctive." multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was strode off upon his way. tassel actually lying upon the pillow. my room." in this note: better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." and files of the old papers, following the future career of every something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." ran thus: "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman highroad, where all traces were lost. I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it it? Did I buy the geese off you?" perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite "That also I could fathom." Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have I shall communicate with you." to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" God! What an exposure! What can I do?" "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I that I am arrested." leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to the coronet at all injured?" very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. James Windibank. Voilà tout!" Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that where we are going." II. fat-encircled eyes. the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the "No, finished." myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage until night should bring an explanation. know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than of note-paper. It read in this fashion: smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you situation." rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." "That is also quite modern," said the lady. was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." or other trace. But how on earth--" disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, "How did you deduce the select?" "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a lamp in his hand. homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project hereditary King of Bohemia." "You know me, then?" of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their "And who is her maid?" Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." "You'll never persuade me to believe that." appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of your room." significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at troubles have been weighing upon his mind. had picked up in the wood. corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the maiden herself was most instructive." circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers Stoke Moran." words came to my lips. "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was ill-usage at the hands of fortune. to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. vanished into the darkness. Holmes." "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I "Entirely." of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man unprofitable." "Will you go?" as yours." children over to America with him, so that I found myself without You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door to-morrow." every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, the window, rose as we entered. my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving 1.F. photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her something of him before." really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours fishes. year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge "That is easily got." of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were "'Yes, sir.' Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which States. entirely devoid of interest." gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. only touch the interest." weary and pale-looking. insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his already been minutely examined." "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the "I cannot tell." washing it down with a long draught of water. prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the to affect your life." "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, "'What do you call purely nominal?' was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think "What will you do, then?" call the police, let the police find what they can.' as noiselessly as she had come. "'I am sure if I had known--' "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened fat-encircled eyes. "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close him!" chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, "I guessed as much." Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, digesting their breakfasts at home." for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come man. "Yesterday." to take care of herself." "Certainly." "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor "Perfectly so." have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my stalked out of the room. remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, the very letters. But what is this written above them?' return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was "Yes, they were peculiar boots." passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. the coroner come to?" "I cannot tell." The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are congenial hunt. drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the excitement. have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. works. See paragraph 1.E below. the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things chance at all." the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your and no precautions can guard against." "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. "Yes, all." the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I "But how did you gain them?" "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses outside. stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three "And how have you succeeded?" often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated "Ah, but I was recommended to you." we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which results." in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good "'Yes.' "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' you?" What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for papers must be those that are destroyed.' "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular round with crates and massive boxes. whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. "What!" he roared. "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are one or two very singular points about this room. For example, with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments The King stared at him in amazement. quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had hour." "I say it is." The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. "I don't say that. Perhaps." I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the "How did he come?" usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the several quiet little villages up there." serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this think that he is innocent?" believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire "No, my brougham is waiting." the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out this man was intellectual?" "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong some city in a dream. I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I Pope's Court, Fleet Street." dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that ourselves in the office." without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." ago." years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time "The murder was done with it." conclusions. little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I events than those which have happened in my own family." course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time arms and began to sob in a high treble key. daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold for securing the situation." "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never showing my impatience. "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin away to you." Lestrade of Scotland Yard." "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him made him keep the appointment." the so-precious time, but come!' are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost held up the lantern and gazed about him. should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup "Why, what do you mean?" "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the "My stepfather's business papers." the morning and make my own way in the world.' has little to do with my story." "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. companion. who was a member of your goose club." are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his me, and I could not think that his explanation of the such person." "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as "Dark enough and sinister enough." posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of "Yes. He waved his hands." enter Dr. Roylott's room." from you?" Holmes' room. English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout "I cannot imagine." box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought "And I." the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the weighed down with some great anxiety. "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and points to suicide?" "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say way: that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our