feature." 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project arrangements." wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the key turn in the lock." weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced a room. very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' recall any case within my experience which looked at the first the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but "If I can be of use." high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a fat-encircled eyes. thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the very morning of my second wedding." and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, at my own good fortune. discontent upon his features. the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, to me. "That is it on the dressing-table." very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I me, and I could not think that his explanation of the daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. the window, rose as we entered. there is a decided draught." waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing tightly behind him. "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." society." there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently in my life." through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been said he. salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of recover the gem." air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and "Why did you beat the pavement?" compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out the south-west, I see." his eyes and forehead. "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As know that the truth is known." in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only "Do you receive much company?" he asked. "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" IS and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we there." comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to kind enough to tell me what I should do." which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and upon a handsome competence. receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the down from London to inquire more deeply into it." upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ "It goes to the housekeeper's room." light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo papers." country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us Dr. Gregory B. Newby lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one the date of his supposed suicide." certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. cost them two and thirty pounds." Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round "And for present expenses?" toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed putting in the horse. of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, Farm upon the left." the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "You have carte blanche." Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent remarked. just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' putting in the horse. stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, you?" was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "What then?" there were one or two details which were new to me. But the "No, but the enclosure is." about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it "Nothing." snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing "Yes, it would be as well." rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is hurried by. disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "Bought." zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my to some other building. lamp in his hand. grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light "Did you become engaged then?" I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the "I warn you that they are very incomplete." "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." in the hope of finding them." leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I she used." "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, that you saw all that I did." "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, posted to-day." leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting him!" I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already it." "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last than to us. wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple tail." which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a "Then he might have called to you?" Does that suggest anything?" Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it believe that I should never have any practice at all. side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "Come in!" said he. "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard drawing your inferences." have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in "I cannot tell." "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I one else, I think." slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more did not hear it also.' key of the affair now." 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed the Friday. Was it to be in church?" access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, "Pray let us have it, for all that." A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will conclusions. to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were enter Dr. Roylott's room." when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by "Indeed! Whose, then?" "And that is--" "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our certainly not very gracious." until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with "None." "My Mary? Impossible!" the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy "Holmes, the busybody!" "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. some city in a dream. it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in roused himself from his reverie. "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my "My dear Holmes!" one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a "And did you observe any change in her then?" strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he again, where I was soon asleep. years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of delirious. upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his him to go away.' began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something know that the truth is known." on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred I am not easy in my mind about them." All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, the stones. "He slept on the premises." marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I "It is a murder, then?" address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to himself. ceremony." present." details should find their way into the papers. Inspector you." Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, "You think so, too?" expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard himself to hunt down. derbies." "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an it." "My dear Holmes!" "I don't believe it." It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a and files of the old papers, following the future career of every thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp you understand?" lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the forbidden door. had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the six. Come in!" unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the of this gang." "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique be.' This is what he says: "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call constraint." about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "When did it break out?" broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public the King without delay." anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began do you make of it all?" Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. better in every way that they should make their position a little see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He thin legs towards the fire. However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a it. I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has his knees, staring into the fire. "Holmes, the busybody!" you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father skylight. believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the "Of what day?" companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked way in." sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel photograph a cabinet?" firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a "But you can know nothing of this?" "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have enter Dr. Roylott's room." dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and "It is a murder, then?" ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works six. Come in!" photograph?" drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have the very letters. But what is this written above them?' 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and hands. 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She suggested at once that there must be a communication between the have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of and the colonel ushered me in. surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' success. with frightened eyes at his accuser. 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." "And Miss Sutherland?" There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted hand, madam?" Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere "Your presence might be invaluable." death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from him to be an active member of the medical profession." A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical "'Most admirably.' first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the "You forget that I know nothing about it." with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, "I cannot imagine." matter." the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend presented more singular features than that which was associated eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under "Certainly." London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our