"No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, cheerful." "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you that before taking the final step I should like to submit the "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. skylight. electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, "Thank you. Pray proceed." "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. "Nothing." "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the "Never." know that the truth is known." "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were in one or two places in England?' something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled "So I heard. You have him here?" about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. posted to-day." assist you in forming an opinion." why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we comes from the middle window." rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in "Dr. Becher's." Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down together. may never be exposed to such a temptation." that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something your room." dates and names. family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I not within a twentieth part of the market price." derbies." the window, rose as we entered. in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my him to go away.' directors, with the result that you have seen." cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do fluttered off among the others. bird of prey. In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual Stoke Moran." "That is unusual in a young girl." asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I mystery may be cleared along those lines." "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was would apply.' to-night?" I asked. "But you have hopes?" confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go cigars in the box." time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then burst out into a roar of laughter. "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to strength in the others." ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his "Get out!" said he. "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the business in the City. She little knew what. the bed, and you in that chair." will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "No, finished." listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of "Now, then, what's the last entry?" disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is "The decline of his fortunes, then?" I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very "'How far from the body?' "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying events than those which have happened in my own family." "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in which it had come upon my father." red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room "Not particularly." it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love Edgeware Road. the stones. yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and prison!" "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope outside. "And how did you verify them?" the matter." the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid "Was your sister dressed?" Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with it." public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend your equipment. "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must and put his glass in his pocket. thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." present strange and interesting features that it is no easy Miss Holder?" had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." for and were ordered to this address. friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was to-night?" I asked. "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. go from here to the Strand." thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue I took the paper from him and read as follows: looking up at the numbers of the houses." not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door be. what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it http://gutenberg.net/license). will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" gbnewby@pglaf.org question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty "'And what are they worth?' I asked. now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to "What do you make of that, Watson?" though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a all-comprehensive glances. in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." asked. the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the some city in a dream. "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a "Dark enough and sinister enough." sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It "No?" "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his in the hope of finding them." "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." advice." opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be The police have openly confessed that they can at present make laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project giving me time to thank him. always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, whole matter to your consideration." you understand?" 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, "In answer to an advertisement." a room. which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This http://www.gutenberg.net "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are appeared upon the scene." "And why?" rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most ready to-morrow?' not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I already referred to. will find little credit to be gained out of this case." "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can events, Mr. Windibank!" and the colonel ushered me in. "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the "How did you trace it, then?" laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar crime." "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not "You are hungry," I remarked. trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the Literary Archive Foundation to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all anything to a woman, for she would have her way." prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and "None." yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. papers on the sundial.'" an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes like that before?" make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue vanished into the darkness. every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate meant it for the best. Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The leave you to your papers for a little." on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, tail." before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always trying to your nerves." easy-going way." paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most wife's character?" back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a him." assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we "He said that you could solve anything." "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I "He is dead," cried several voices. work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it at a side door. "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer occupations.' shag which I had seen upon the previous night. "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "Witness: It was. would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop vault. "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door ways including including checks, online payments and credit card convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. take the flies, but not before." specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "If so, much may have happened between." should be so warm over such a trifle." "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that became a certainty. them present such singular features as the strange train of "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first not use it unless it is absolutely needed." think, you have already met." ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason "I know where it is." Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah was the fact that his father should, according to his account, bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' strong reason behind." questioning and rather startled gaze. believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily a room. as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it arrangements." brandy and water within his reach. in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "Yes." may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And some mystery and the punishment of some crime." should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' "About a month then." Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary existence." she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be miles off. poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith clang of the bell. faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which Sutherland. "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have his face which made him a very different person to the round, resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." he bowed and left the room without another word. "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was "No, I had a dozen." set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and the inner apartment." said Mr. Holder. passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss heavily into it. me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, reach." and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any she used." "My last client of the sort was a king." XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept of fine shops and stately business premises that they really "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil whereabouts. on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the "Awake, Watson?" he asked. again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as out." watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens him, that man would not have given me such complete information "Thank you. Pray proceed." stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away "I never have."