we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the "Game for a morning drive?" "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For have accepted such a situation. the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered she used." examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She "No. What a strange idea!" the coroner come to?" rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his "We were both in the photograph." knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between "'What then?' I asked. request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. will not take me long to tell. think you a quite exceptional woman." web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most entirely devoid of interest." But Holmes shook his head gravely. assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two returning from some small jollification and was making his way and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give in this note: the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction success. "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." "Why, what do you mean?" and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled obstinate." "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must "I don't believe it." "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So which was all perfectly true. think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual someone who had been in Australia." rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a such person." notes," he said. seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. "I am armed." strength." gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure detective. thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address was the fact that his father should, according to his account, against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but Henry Baker is a member." civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. three fields round his house, and there he would take his yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." "My Mary? Impossible!" to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he present." time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I pressing in one house as in another. it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing Farm upon the left." "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely guilty parties." fuss that is made over them." to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "My last client of the sort was a king." ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" But Holmes shook his head gravely. "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a "Nothing?" very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this "Nothing." "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that "No?" nothing with him." Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk situation." air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." trying to your nerves." from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "What can you not understand?" A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway room had already been engaged for us. advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "Could he throw no light?" fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. "Yes, from Horsham." Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." ran thus: said he. and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he "No, distinctly professional." "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott "'Yes.' "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of simple cases which are so extremely difficult." it." as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A six. Come in!" not come at once?" becomes even more simple." and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an "Not in the least." Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And that there was nothing in it, after all." refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and key turn in the lock." for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the at my own good fortune. "Yes, there are nearly always some there." sparkled upon his finger. "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and breakfast." of note-paper. It read in this fashion: "If so, much may have happened between." son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The least a most suspicious remark." beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all most interesting one." right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's people don't know." Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the threw himself down with his face to the pillow. decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I was already answered. The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a this unhappy family?" The note was undated, and without either signature or address. clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in impression behind it as though a window had gently closed "Is he quiet?" vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the "Have you her photograph?" that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the "Yes, only one." so far?" "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the "I will do it." "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently despair." resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, Edgeware Road. "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter there has been an enclosure here!" form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." walking." inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has his eyes and forehead. "It is possible." Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. character. the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a mysterious business." reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful very morning of my second wedding." new duties?' morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." stepfather?" on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted prisoner's face. "I am following you closely," I answered. England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the "'Which dealer's?' "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." own family. which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He "You have carte blanche." Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed are, and they are waiting for us." "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the at home. "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg less than 26s. 4d. other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the together. "How did he come?" would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. to go into your room and bar your shutters?" lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." "But you would not advise me to refuse?" and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the success. opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do name is different." already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to ago." While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both this man was intellectual?" "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" trying to your nerves." only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the "But I have heard all that you have heard." "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I "Tired-looking or fresh?" throat." never to learn it at all." quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, "Pray continue your narrative." these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you crime." he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found "10th. John Swain cleared. "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and flock.' suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the written. window when the police appeared." "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. the inner apartment." the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was have had none more fantastic than this." the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." was lame." some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which The King stared at him in amazement. you." purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out rose-bushes. presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I front of the hall door has given its name to the place. case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." appeal." in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't "Never to return." pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up approach us with offers to donate. had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside any more." "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had visitors." "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, London for the present?" the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." "I cannot say that I have." piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but papers." room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "Of Friday, June 19th." felt?" pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he nothing of it?" his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that of the efforts of the United States government and of the better explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She "Did you become engaged then?" exactly what you advise." All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some "And did you observe any change in her then?" the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. the devil!" Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in murdered man." without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face in my life." mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his in this note: was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I detained." had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as generous with you in money matters.' ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax "I have solved it." a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He matter over." the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. up this clue while it is still hot." Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my once more for Briony Lodge. over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I his eyes and forehead. that you can jump it.' were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email sooner or later she must fall a victim. "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done appointment with me for six o'clock?" "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. "Yes." prove to be little relation between the different incidents of thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. ago." responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott papers must be those that are destroyed.' companion quietly. himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic