beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. certainly not very gracious." wife's character?" once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was the coronet at all injured?" explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been are windows in it, of course?" "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a "By all means." his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from voice, changing her seat as requested. "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." grasp, he hurried from the room. "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough "Pray let us have it, for all that." You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. "From his hat?" supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day "Why, it's a dummy," said he. "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" "I came to find a friend." again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and correct than the official force." conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." "None. Neville wrote those words." that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been "Upon what point?" through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." "I answered that I had not. "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and the coronet in his hand?" call it cruel." business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in "In what way?" asked Holmes. sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the are windows in it, of course?" follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But tear off another piece?' "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George one's self under obligations.' heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but interest. They are important, you understand, without being he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, obstinate." "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. "You think so, too?" only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to shag which I had seen upon the previous night. were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now as yours." Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." look dissatisfied." "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own "And did you observe any change in her then?" ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one politicians who had been sent down from the North. phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. the side-table." near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent vault. "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the some city in a dream. lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are should be taken.' see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. place, I think that there is good ground to think that the "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the "I have my revolver," said I. but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a "No. His orders were to stay in the house." "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should instincts rose up against that laugh. through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "I think that I had better go, Holmes." the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too "It came here." his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "'Certainly not.' fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT "I will do it." "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. fishes. of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of ready to-morrow?' points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. "Nothing." "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the bird I ate is country bred." and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who the nursery. her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying the bed, and you in that chair." carpenter." "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be money should be paid at once.' of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings if she died from some sudden fright." But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a "Perhaps we may make them less so." "I should like to see him very much." "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's you want, then?' "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. you found me to-night--and running through the front room she "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. that I am arrested." noble correspondent could be. "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is there were so many in the whole country as were brought together "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and go back?" pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." answered with a sidelong glance. the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the hair?' be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the and I shall be with you presently." swore that no one else had been in the front room during the of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the threw himself down with his face to the pillow. lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa carriage. It was a chestnut." of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only grasp, he hurried from the room. frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has him and tried to hold him back. "How did you deduce the select?" "Yes." 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are vanished into the darkness. Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to his cane at the bell-pull. "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning "I cannot imagine." the very morning of the wedding." that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the quick march!" "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove Gutenberg-tm License. ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." my little problems." "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of "May I see it?" posted to-day." sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You "Then I shall certainly come." "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one pressing in one house as in another. "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple disappearance of these gems?" "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the will find little credit to be gained out of this case." "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go "I cannot say that I have." his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" was used.' trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not my room." have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I cigars in their mouths. LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very she might be summoned. pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked the stable lane now." interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of money should be paid at once.' the coroner come to?" admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that frequently gained my first real insight into the character of It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear particular state visit http://pglaf.org all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money the coronet in his hand?" "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of will be renamed. fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. "We were both in the photograph." some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or very morning of my second wedding." "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The "Frequently." "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter upon the shelf for the interim." and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he "One horse?" interjected Holmes. and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he "And you don't know his address?" He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands "You have a clue?" slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. furiously. clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in "Perhaps I have." McCarthy's innocence. hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air Pool. mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "Certainly." but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself "Where is it, then?" have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already "Yes, they were peculiar boots." landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked "You have compromised yourself seriously." Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully spare." lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came to talk it over. "What is it?" Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations and the colonel ushered me in. had picked up in the wood. ways including including checks, online payments and credit card derbies." to have that photograph." case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have "How many? I don't know." that he has suffered." To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's his grey eyes. I shall communicate with you." "Can I be of assistance?" wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is seem to you to be relevant or not." observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you right! Sit down and let us talk it over." the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly I. XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt my little problems." photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant "I fear not." hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. light and attacked it." came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." have had none more fantastic than this." ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight friends, not even his own brother. the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply."