copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has "'What would be the hours?' I asked. is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. "I would pay ten." severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and a room. "Precisely." Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a it." The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior name is different." "I say it is." "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt "No. What a strange idea!" ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a morning." the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by Edgeware Road. husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three "How do you know, then?" I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." chance." see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez said Mr. Holder. "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and business matters.' St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad problems help me to do so." of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that 'please.'" "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET the salesman. far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of "No, I am descending." glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at closely." over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the "There are none." "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying Arthur Conan Doyle friends, not even his own brother. "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders "How did he come?" nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or gone before you can get him to hospital." crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then "Perhaps we may make them less so." asked with his eyes open. Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, directors have had misgivings upon the subject." vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it are windows in it, of course?" It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the "In answer to an advertisement." have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting wedding?" this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond have been better. It is all right." the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw "Ha! you find it so?" upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of must compliment you." "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been behind me. asked. Serpentine Avenue. had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, down in his armchair and closing his eyes. started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the in the hope of finding them." "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the "What then?" "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance said I. "Yes." good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length "No more words. Get out!" "And you don't know his address?" table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months "Never." of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so "The Cedars?" ourselves in the office." time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." "No, distinctly professional." "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but remarked. behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it from you?" wedding?" "Precisely so. But how--" ventilator." freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed "And who is her maid?" whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and noble correspondent could be. Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between gbnewby@pglaf.org away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in "To an end?" hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to "Who by?" gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain thought that she would have been so carried away." But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, of." and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. "But you were on a friendly footing?" who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. information in his hands the value of which he did not himself cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King to that open window." money should be paid at once.' - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim Mary, has deserted me." might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I fishes. own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be had no one to advise her at such a crisis." article?" "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up "BALLARAT." family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. "BALLARAT." fluttered off among the others. entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He Sutherland?" collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year "In the cells." bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from "The murder was done with it." Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. works. See paragraph 1.E below. surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside business in the City. She little knew what. and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' lectures into a series of tales." jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, telegram would bring me down to your help." acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. giving me time to thank him. him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable papers must be those that are destroyed.' and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his writers could invent nothing more crude." attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." Munro.' "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter lips." and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman "Of what?" reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was everything which you would wish to know." "And I to find an enemy." "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his wedding?" caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "And how in the world did you find them?" lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the roused himself from his reverie. 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my again on its way. own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the DAMAGE. subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted "It is a murder, then?" room. defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small arrested. You then--" to miss it." "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of union?" d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure horse could go." the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement chambers. redistribution. From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress me. You must get home instantly and act." produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that "It came here." town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" "If so, much may have happened between." news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear closing the door. society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek "It is very kind of you." the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" depend upon my doing so.' British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your the very letters. But what is this written above them?' your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, "I will, Miss Turner." "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." "What will you say?" "I will get her to show me." simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this jewels which you have stolen?' copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice "Witness: Nothing definite. "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" Chief Executive and Director We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the "You have a clue?" "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped "How often?" observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before "And Miss Sutherland?" and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich little adventures." brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." "And is that all?" something of him before." job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that "No sign of it?" "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has "But you have hopes?" the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing carpenter." "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked bell. Holmes whistled. own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or "Texas, I think." "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties "It missed him, then?" "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to "And the murderer?" possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our is entirely a question of barometric pressure." conclusions. be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in bird of prey. the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was opened the door, and slipped through. "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed in your London, you will know that the office of the company is generous with you in money matters.' sooner or later she must fall a victim. some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is appointment with me for six o'clock?" edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he advice." a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love particular state visit http://pglaf.org fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and key of the affair now." seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again geese which you supplied to the Alpha." into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the note?" Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the acted in my house last night?" Leadenhall Street--and--" opened the door, and slipped through. "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his families. Now for the facts. returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was "You did not overhear what they said?" say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' with the outside air!" I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the "The King of Scandinavia." evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know to have been novel and of interest." down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. bedroom door." "It is very kind of you." has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far chill to my heart. the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, Pope's Court, Fleet Street." she used." window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had "But his lameness?"