fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further I nodded to show that I had heard. the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the October 9, 1890. you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in asked. call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you absolutely follow my advice in every respect." asked with his eyes open. other, as fresh and trim as possible. My friend smiled. "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any you do it in twenty minutes!' last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter future lives." and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to front of me. "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in "Not him." are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, 11:15.' "My opinion is in no way altered." were new raised from a basin. see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a "Where, then?" "But your client--" lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "We must have a cab." still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" Lee, in the county of Kent." "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the "Not him." be best to do. which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt country, and eventually married, without anyone having a her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," "The King of Scandinavia." back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. "Is he quiet?" lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the the ceiling. We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp business came to an end." "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very said he. characteristics, but those are the more obvious." precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One before, for it was considerably after midnight. envelope. assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened "It was." and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. points to suicide?" to change my dress. to a more successful conclusion." "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss "What, then?" fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, "By all means." Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my "Come in!" said he. enter into my head. laugh and put his lips to my ear. been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. "Dr. Becher's." opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us brain must have something in it." present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the stammered. "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who I have it here in my museum." "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from for securing the situation." by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried pound a week." of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "I have seen the police." "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, you understand?" as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended "'I have heard so.' and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was cause to be." "I cannot think." been able to understand it, in a very few words. knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have "It surprised me." people in all walks of life. eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate bled considerably." "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to bled considerably." "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to and capable of preserving a secret.' "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in there." "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution observed. "Pray continue your narrative." when you have done it." dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when in darkness. Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so "'Never,' said I. A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its yards of it?' "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." head. So long, then!" "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in one of the states of the Union." one or two very singular points about this room. For example, "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she "The decline of his fortunes, then?" "Not in a good cause." thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were will he say when he returns?" "But not more so than I to find you." "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She down in his armchair and closing his eyes. "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped is acting for the best. of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources "Nor running a chance of arrest?" human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. come either from the window or the door. My attention was "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking McCarthy." the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is is now desirous of getting those letters back." "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I suggested at once that there must be a communication between the of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic compunction about shooting them down." The summons was a brief and urgent one. Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken certainly do as you advise." mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the "I fear not." fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of "And what did you learn from him?" too. up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of and effective." your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in you found me to-night--and running through the front room she XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were indeed happy." "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there could not have written that. It is the German who is so which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. point our research must commence, and we will begin it by pound a week." direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY which was all perfectly true. "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for of this gang." presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental stepfather?" brought there to personate someone, and the real person is "My dear Holmes!" in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we I held the little printed slip to the light. Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary that threaten you." enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and indiscretion." "'And what salary do you ask?' "None." His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' Foundation see a sister of mine apply for." late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily "What are they?" "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was any more." outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I "'What would be the hours?' I asked. morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at "It was an hour's good drive." Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "What then?" second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, shall use the carriage to-night." in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of friends, not even his own brother. lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, "No." "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had handed it to him. light and attacked it." and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the will take you up to see the machine.' tassel actually lying upon the pillow. He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. "Stolen." The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other me where it went to?" "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of husband's writing, madam." explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United woman." will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an charge against him will break down." introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and "Yes, they were peculiar boots." upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind "Yes, certainly." discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the leaning back in his chair. mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One place, I think that there is good ground to think that the something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her becomes even more simple." said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a "'What, the red-headed man?' "An accident, I presume?" my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to Holmes' thin, eager face. her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." awaited us upon the table. there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to before, for it was considerably after midnight. "I was certainly surprised to find you there." outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend from you?" I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or "'I have heard so.' "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your cheerful." called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "My own seal." points in connection with it which never have been, and probably lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a "'What, the red-headed man?' round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice I. had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that "Get out!" said he. should be so warm over such a trifle." IS and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting The King stared at him in amazement. "Ah!"