Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our bears upon the case?" There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "Was she in good spirits?" lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was woman who has had her own way to make in the world. "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. "'And the work?' "To an English lawyer named Norton." behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in miles off. "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he Miss Holder?" It was close upon four before the door opened, and a ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the tell them apart.' broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips relief. fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which relation between them, and what the object of his repeated 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his "What are they?" "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray "Why serious?" "My dear Holmes!" constraint." could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a made him keep the appointment." here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or your Highness to the police-station?" hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush chance." "An accident, I presume?" Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." stood on the top of it. registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running and laid it on the table. protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to vault. "'It is locked up,' I answered. to talk it over. and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the the Red-headed League." neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of "At what time?" the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by Project Gutenberg-tm works. adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in generous with you in money matters.' my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet that I can to serve you." 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted few hundred pounds.' which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared before the coroner and the police-court." help us in this matter." you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you humiliation." providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped nights." association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding "But to whom?" his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be "Ah, but I was recommended to you." railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had "Dirty?" and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I begin with, and I had not got mine yet." envelope. you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of derbies." "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few been with you?" "You think that he is dead?" sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple train from Paddington which would bring you there at about "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." "Yes?" that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on it. "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close DAMAGE. with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, "In the cells." "You are all wrong." had formerly been in part my own. "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue "None. Neville wrote those words." train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." "The decline of his fortunes, then?" furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. learned something! Where are the gems?" "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous thin, with a long, sharp nose?" "Yes, sir." concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five roused himself from his reverie. "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter again on its way. hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his forbidden door. thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did "And how did he make his money?" daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she "No. His orders were to stay in the house." Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress comes from the middle window." business." harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my would apply.' "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless fish-monger and a tide-waiter." for its centre. to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than Leadenhall Street--and--" them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it From what you have told me I think that it is possible that "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be God! What an exposure! What can I do?" Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of The telegram which we eventually received came late one night "Where, then?" "I was certainly surprised to find you there." "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "No?" "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were speckled band?" Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent experiences." he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left future lives." surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, swore that no one else had been in the front room during the the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining is four-and-twenty." drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that affair. habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." he died? broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of fait accompli?" of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "I have seen the police." and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had to-night." and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt "Perhaps I have." and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such know that the truth is known." half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end My friend smiled. "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our "Game for a morning drive?" girl said." delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' through." it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought four million human beings all jostling each other within the stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the better grown goose." banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with forbidden door. "Absolutely none." We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that him, that man would not have given me such complete information thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of him!" accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting jewels which you have stolen?' there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this them, and came down just as you departed. the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here to take care of herself." admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." "No." "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. "Not him." one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and this as likely?" I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last their singular warning or token before them when starting upon a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend one which it was hard to resist. horse could go." the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' carpenter." were wasted." evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east depend upon your compliance." Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET "You horrify me!" safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune of the way of danger. sofa. This way, please!" adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you Foundation He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I James Windibank. Voilà tout!" happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." "In the cells." professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were your sleep?' accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness out." the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and forehead. danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it your bag." a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning experiences." sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. had died away into the silence from which it rose. huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom than was visible to me." visitors." had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom go from here to the Strand." thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous "One?" "'Quite sure, dad.' To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property more terrible than the truth. confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in said he. as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the the side-table." heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his breakfast and whispered something to her husband. "No." carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford the roots. "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the "If I can be of use." him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow "'And what are they worth?' I asked. was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in "But how did you gain them?" "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a back alive. heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged ways including including checks, online payments and credit card I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a hard-headed British jury." to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little present." "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" that he will be back before evening." the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. mystery." instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the giving me time to thank him. "I know where it is." dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place tassel actually lying upon the pillow. misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever