"I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk call for protection in the marriage market, for the present in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a charge against him will break down." a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I call you and give you the chance." "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two "Nothing." heavy and sharp instrument." "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the tied." passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his the Friday. Was it to be in church?" single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the breakfast." Does that suggest anything?" an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I business." and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival like gravel from a pit.' it." "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. one of the states of the Union." made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring "That is easily got." which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a "But we can't all be." "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you shadow pass over his face as I spoke. but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. "No, my brougham is waiting." "I cannot think." registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" "Was your sister dressed?" world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative "I see many objections to any such theory." metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by me have 200 pounds?' refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such charge against him will break down." "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and nights." like that before?" charged with?" He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to in a friendly supper." forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then ill-usage at the hands of fortune. tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to useful material for showing traces. The double line a little sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, as noiselessly as she had come. The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet "About a month then." least a fellow-countryman. wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." "Entirely." any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss wedding?" business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed his wife has ceased to love him." that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have "That is it on the dressing-table." lumber-room." For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which "'Where could I find him?' bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were of fine shops and stately business premises that they really knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, papers." been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you "In the cells." The events in question occurred in the early days of my "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" fat-encircled eyes. the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations gone. of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her "'And the work?' I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his "Seven!" I answered. official police." "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, look dissatisfied." characteristics, but those are the more obvious." permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in Henry Baker is a member." row." stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with "But his left-handedness." pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case James Windibank. Voilà tout!" beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and the address that was given us in the advertisement. however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the nothing of it?" impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and keep the flames under. "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest which we had just quitted. works. nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. "What steps will you take?" I asked. Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in "How do you know, then?" shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." tension within him. envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very the inquest, and which are worth considering." while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not morning." for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than "'It is locked up,' I answered. "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now your bag." man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a "'What would be the hours?' I asked. chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, public press." would then never go into court at all." was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it woman." both be extremely obliged.' companion quietly. himself to tell his story. broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and again, where I was soon asleep. "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your you in yours." which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last too. as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would eavesdroppers?' The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for disappearance of these gems?" hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten be best to do. deduce something from that?" when your master had gone out." into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly that threaten you." in him." Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to asked. can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by leave you to your papers for a little." breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the all?" gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, been with you?" way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly there when the Rucastles went away." "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George of campaign. a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, woman who has had her own way to make in the world. "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, "You are all wrong." to have been novel and of interest." all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a in a friendly supper." paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to at my own good fortune. gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, "To an English lawyer named Norton." journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said fish-monger and a tide-waiter." every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman ready to-morrow?' the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the hurried away. going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I notes," he said. "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness guilty one." suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire into the bag, and made for the door. Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." to that open window." "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' during the last few years, and there are many noble families to vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not London for the present?" boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my "Very well, sir. And this stone?" "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed to some other building. lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and believe that I should never have any practice at all. and inquire as to the address." tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we bonnet, and went out." had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain the very morning of the wedding." Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make "A client, then?" frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in the house with me." zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon "What is it, then--a fire?" "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and "Precisely so. But how--" offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather one's self under obligations.' at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a away into the river." problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and suspect him." "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried questionable one." "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It once more. and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon might help us?" had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on the coroner come to?" have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to "What have you done?" asked Holmes. the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among the coronet in his hands?" "What is it?" bill, which interests me deeply." been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of "My own seal." conduct the inquiry." "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been I think that I could be of assistance to you." "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a strange features which were associated with the two crimes which "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for the Red-headed League." "Quite so." in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the some place of shelter and let the county police know what has This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill "It must be recovered." which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I Holmes. controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly 'please.'" "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles the inquest, and which are worth considering." over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, success. seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and and the whole place is in a blaze." could not account in any way for the presence of the missing as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the "Certainly." present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it "The knees of his trousers." away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a right! Sit down and let us talk it over." my room." sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, "Deserted you?" few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you Gutenberg-tm License. "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the Miss Holder?" a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. asked with his eyes open. a monotonous occupation." Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." learned something! Where are the gems?" married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their matters immensely." place no limit on the sum I may draw." "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. presented which may be striking and bizarre without being with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project himself to tell his story. "'Yes, I promise.' "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the "You have compromised yourself seriously." by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn hand, madam?" dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall and the whole place is in a blaze." drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such "I beg pardon." reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what of the efforts of the United States government and of the better hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "But his lameness?" Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some