"To ruin me." the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our then?" "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they to affect your life." following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In "I am in hopes that she does." touch that coronet?' "'I have already given you my word.' houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of eat it." he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." James Windibank. Voilà tout!" "'Certainly not.' some terrible trap for her." cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three noble correspondent could be. was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own instituted." closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, persecution?" side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the returned to France?" "There are none." the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his problems help me to do so." well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend John Swain, of St. Augustine. "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a read it out to me." premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in mysterious business." backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the tear off another piece?' I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from appointment with me for six o'clock?" silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel bed dies. Does not that strike you?" should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the "But you can know nothing of this?" had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to of it with the greatest attention. hardly wander." He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to "'Yes, sir.' could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has "Pray continue your narrative." of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon both be extremely obliged.' bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, "Pray continue your narrative." opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." in this note: the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk "What office?" typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his key turn in the lock." seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The despaired of." truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened present." Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the in your London, you will know that the office of the company is everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." Edgeware Road. sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there "Yes, but only for you and me." rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or "It surprised me." and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges "Yes." had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what completely overtopped every other consideration that we both British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly delirious. "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with burst into a hearty fit of laughter. of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom "Yes." at home. 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." "What shall I do?" glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that "'Ample.' "Quite so." "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn "What can it mean?" I gasped. In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which "Certainly, madam." jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society I nodded to show that I had heard. have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any as the one I chose?' concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your "Well?" without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance Gutenberg-tm License. little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they "Nothing." "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the Clair, of Lee." Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which "Nothing?" I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in walking." lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for Surrey." Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of to go into your room and bar your shutters?" which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to peculiar to him. in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their fait accompli?" in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert the one as in the other." "Why did you pick him?" was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the "No, thank goodness, she did not." other means.' expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third congenial hunt. but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church "But how?" marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I "I am all attention, madam." "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all possible that we could bring him back to her? know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I did not hear it also.' London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he up this clue while it is still hot." case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with me upon any point which I do not make clear." "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion matter." slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were yards of it?' my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings least a most suspicious remark." "So it appears." is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "It is possible." perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to "I am armed." breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the husband's writing, madam." would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass beg that you will break it off." bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it "Yes, sir." after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my go from here to the Strand." "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with would apply.' "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. "I am about to be married." 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that "Game for a morning drive?" complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through plantation.' "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, "Never to return." inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful occurred." touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. deduce something from that?" from the brougham. "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time window when the police appeared." that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he spare." "And how?" he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little fish-monger and a tide-waiter." of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay carried out of court." whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely roused himself from his reverie. I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that seem to you to be relevant or not." comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without I nodded again. myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of "If I can be of use." "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must a good hundred miles off by now." newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make in a friendly supper." determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the in darkness. strode off upon his way. sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed "Then I can wait in the next room." "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As back into the street. really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. "Imitated." handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very have not had my rubber." and files of the old papers, following the future career of every Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the "'And the work?' through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is not interfere, come what may. You understand?" "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before a room. without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that do.' Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." is," said he presently: "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and "Two days later this same performance was gone through under looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his begun to whiten, even as mine has." and files of the old papers, following the future career of every finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day "Pray tell us what has happened to you." news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We His smile broadened. "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is visitors." in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with writer." investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the "Not in the least." village inn over there?" revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of you." What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him any." "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, lost his Christmas dinner." his face which made him a very different person to the round, which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told murdered man." "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out note?" upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her but preventing her from injuring another. bearing upon the case." demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. indeed happy." doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds weighed down with some great anxiety. north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced