for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a "It looks newer than the other things?" remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." "I should like to see him very much." and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to annoyance, but no jest. The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well be sorry for having acted so harshly." set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a "My Mary? Impossible!" an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in "You were travelling in the States?" reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from "Quite so." gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets entirely devoid of interest." police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give "It may not come to that," said Holmes. hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a you." "'Tell me all about it,' said I. once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me all?" is four-and-twenty." them present such singular features as the strange train of for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do was it brought him the coronet? "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do His name is Francis Prosper." bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in back into the street. half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from new duties?' elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. pity, because in other respects you would really have done very Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one friend's singular character. been shamefully used." the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been people don't know." and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout crime." you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall go back?" weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments bird of prey. quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he maid will bring up your coffee." satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are "That is it on the dressing-table." shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with "Then you may be so with me." To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to front of the hall door has given its name to the place. observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord "That you are never beaten." as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." good-night and bustled off upon her way. his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much without a word or a look. Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. place no limit on the sum I may draw." "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom imbecility!" he cried. your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you voice. which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." "Game for a morning drive?" come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast "Yes." Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note furiously. was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. which are rolled in Rotterdam." have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. shoulder; "he's all right." charged with?" bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** pound a week." forebodings. eat it." "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was south, for the country is more deserted there." "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you and capable of preserving a secret.' "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he voice, changing her seat as requested. deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as His smile broadened. investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I "By train from Waterloo." man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should "I am armed." I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man it." spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is breakfast?" lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be "He is still with you, I presume?" very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon me. Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be "He slept on the premises." both be extremely obliged.' presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & "'About the same.' "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the that threaten you." occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could anything to a woman, for she would have her way." more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. and I shall be with you presently." admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. "Then he might have called to you?" from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through "'Not at all. I only doubt--' rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a "No, I had a dozen." along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the wedding?" think you a quite exceptional woman." "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high What do you deduce from it?" foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. to go into your room and bar your shutters?" which we had just quitted. "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of relation between them, and what the object of his repeated "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to train from Paddington which would bring you there at about ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be sentimental considerations in the background which would induce village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to been shamefully used." "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very "It is a murder, then?" But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It more terrible than the truth. fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "Here?" who was a member of your goose club." young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' "Was she in good spirits?" to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He opportunities to fix the problem. with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked "'And the work?' no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left "Stolen." "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, papers must be those that are destroyed.' such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I new duties?' London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. anything to do with the matter?" his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. walking." poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him pity, because in other respects you would really have done very reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address "Pray tell us what has happened to you." "It surprised me." for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. been shamefully used." Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, "Yes, from Horsham." frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That tell them apart.' this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I "What?" wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and carpenter." room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the hand, madam?" eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the "Very. But will he see it?" had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable breakfast and whispered something to her husband. from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a in his hands." and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our should be so warm over such a trifle." certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to examine." "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, ashen face. an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook "I saw her in conversation with her maid." it. about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The "Really! You surprise me." XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by morning." "How did you deduce the select?" difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was Young McCarthy must be got off, however." "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in "'What would be the hours?' I asked. "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the "You horrify me!" stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. exactly what you advise." well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor minor matters until to-morrow." kindly on the shoulder. "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one me upon any point which I do not make clear." see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little point in the dark hollow of his hand. distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means "To an English lawyer named Norton." upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We "No." some water from a caraffe. necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless the night.' deduce something from that?" away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a chambers. words came to my lips. things are very often connected not with the larger but with the "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning "My opinion is in no way altered." back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her standing smiling on the door-step. foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should "'In my own bureau.' way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted country, and eventually married, without anyone having a "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square hand, madam?" has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, "VIOLET HUNTER." Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters,