in his power. Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." "You have compromised yourself seriously." again on its way. thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let gbnewby@pglaf.org "Because he was handy and would come cheap." the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the flock.' "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," asked with his eyes open. I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a children over to America with him, so that I found myself without written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." strength of mind to control. She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are "'Where could I find him?' you in yours." stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could Serpentine Avenue. most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that "My last client of the sort was a king." "I have a cab outside." housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. stood on the top of it. pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for people in all walks of life. "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in even so self-evident a thing as that." however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of "Upon what point?" my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it the matter." "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties "That is it on the dressing-table." of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, "That's no good." conceal it?" deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It "Texas, I think." dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation and prosperity to your house. Good-night." have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the "It was an hour's good drive." "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as for securing the situation." fluttered off among the others. possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of followed. "That also I could fathom." zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the ran thus: "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front do you make of it all?" persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a brain must have something in it." put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged present strange and interesting features that it is no easy The events in question occurred in the early days of my unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way see a sister of mine apply for." the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. 'I should be able to look after that for you.' corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, "Holmes, the busybody!" lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small his face which made him a very different person to the round, violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "Pray be precise as to details," said he. the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we highly," said Holmes. it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." I held the little printed slip to the light. doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. which are rolled in Rotterdam." the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE woman." "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing "But I have heard all that you have heard." access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at me. You must get home instantly and act." "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a come either from the window or the door. My attention was this man was intellectual?" the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has "By all means." very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to foot. stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that the roots. "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to "How long did she speak to this Alice?" she to prove their authenticity?" "How did you deduce the select?" estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in trying to your nerves." be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and the Red-headed League." train from Paddington which would bring you there at about ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "My dear Holmes!" "What?" "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. his fortune, and I went back to pa. see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door James Windibank. Voilà tout!" slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the awaited us upon the table. "Did he not advertise?" things are very often connected not with the larger but with the dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had "Why serious?" and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, "It surprised me." bearing upon the case." forebodings. the running down." He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I opened a pocket-book and took out a note. be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three 'I should be able to look after that for you.' the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich congratulate you again." reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the guilty parties." tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, "Ha! you find it so?" is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting at my own good fortune. which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The "But you would not advise me to refuse?" daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you "How did he come?" because she had spent so short a time in this country that she a room. "We must have a cab." He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in legal crime." as the one I chose?' "My stepfather's business papers." not personally threatened." "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" appointment with me for six o'clock?" 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a "'I am sure that I do not know.' that before taking the final step I should like to submit the there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" hard-headed British jury." was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off bore every mark of being an average commonplace British correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the "But you would not advise me to refuse?" the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. here and I will read it to you: Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to for the market.' "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were "Pray be precise as to details," said he. "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in "Nor running a chance of arrest?" "I should wish to." nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. occupations.' "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. weigh very heavily upon my conscience." "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was "That is not always so easy." shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His "I am about to be married." bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen said he. Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began your Highness to the police-station?" it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all society." Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, figure." get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I clanging. "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some "And now?" He raised his hand. Pool. "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." Holmes' face clouded over. "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the this poor creature." "Quite so. She has her freedom." everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few "It is true that I have been generally successful." staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." "I am in hopes that she does." for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I "Entirely." go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no "'What, the red-headed man?' "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken business matters.' "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." weigh very heavily upon my conscience." already been minutely examined." the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to "I promise," said Holmes. old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the later, upon the night of May 2nd." washing it down with a long draught of water. satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They one which it was hard to resist. "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same call for protection in the marriage market, for the present society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three "Well." together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even tightly behind him. "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional certainly not very gracious." before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." followed. must be when I saw the door open.' yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, bed dies. Does not that strike you?" as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately a suggestive one." unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found status with the IRS. round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf works. See paragraph 1.E below. studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned then?" the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" out." "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. but preventing her from injuring another. probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. away in different directions, and I went off to make my own and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" voice, changing her seat as requested. sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with "Then the page we have seen--" than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more "What can it mean?" I gasped. address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the interests were the same as his." showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "That is easily got." XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. said Mr. Holder. "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in himself in a perplexing position. in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, tassel actually lying upon the pillow. I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do paper in the air. redistribution. Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send out of this horrible affair." very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. "Yes." Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very on in his house." really the only notable feature about the thing." however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I something of him before." wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to sneer upon his pale face. interest. They are important, you understand, without being and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' was shining brightly. unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he