and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was "To the police?" Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and fasten all the windows?" middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. hereditary King of Bohemia." black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "That is unusual in a young girl." in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to of note-paper. It read in this fashion: overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I "Awake, Watson?" he asked. effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread "I was afraid that you were engaged." hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very "I know where it is." We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the Stoke Moran." sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet introspective fashion. evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling "'You cannot say what it was?' photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." "You horrify me." to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and to a more successful conclusion." gives a meaning to it." least a most suspicious remark." a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up to have that photograph." "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your followed. Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter could gather together that I was able to avert another public coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her "Who was the criminal, then?" writer." manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, "Absolutely none." its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me business at Coburg Square is serious." habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in the Red-headed League." "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET been able to understand it, in a very few words. drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that "Perhaps I have." thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were you understand?" "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the colonel looking down at me. was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after to change my dress. moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that "Nothing." very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as "What!" he roared. sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you The events in question occurred in the early days of my lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." "We have tried and failed." "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" "Then I can wait in the next room." "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, Leadenhall Street--and--" "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a opened the door, and slipped through. his fortune, and I went back to pa. "Two days later this same performance was gone through under the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner "But we can't all be." no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "I do." should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now the coronet in his hand?" public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must your sleep?' step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this "Yes, they were peculiar boots." "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was always that they were such commands as a lady might with of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the weapon." to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my "My dear Holmes!" appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him this poor creature." discontent upon his features. "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over "You are certainly joking, Holmes." cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his throat." "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard suddenly upon us." closely." best detective that ever lived. "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for arrested. You then--" shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly giving me time to thank him. details." "How often?" on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate is so. I know all about McCarthy." "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though "Certainly, madam." keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." "And how?" indeed happy." case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." "Pray be precise as to details," said he. and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his thirty. and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. Holmes' thin, eager face. "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's interested in these little problems, and since you are good to a more successful conclusion." Count Von Kramm." to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of you, my dear young lady?' laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read depend upon my doing so.' nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the test if we have an answer to our advertisement." next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, stammered. one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just where Mr. Fordham shows you.' "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special following enigmatical notices: he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in "In San Francisco, a year ago." his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, narrative." "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think "Yes, only one." will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most against a man in the prime of life?" completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable lamp in his hand. inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for rose-bushes. out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." "But you can know nothing of this?" half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish you." long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. "It was a confession," I ejaculated. quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in writers could invent nothing more crude." "'Ten to two.' must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you prepare for the new role I have to play." significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you "Which are?" bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of man. not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." "'Stolen!' he cried. We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' "Well, some hundreds of times." one of them." coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" "'Entirely.' down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than "Yes, he did." have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "Of Friday, June 19th." "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I wall." "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs I leave." having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very empty. the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having outside." "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she "'Tell me all about it,' said I. because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and "Which are?" second." observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, "What! Had he lost his wife?" "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." with you?" As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King wife's character?" Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my look upon these things in a different way." overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a "Pray continue your narrative." let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose "To an English lawyer named Norton." "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis heavily into it. wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I yet." London for the present?" social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the "Did you observe the colour?" experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and may have an influence upon European history." your room." again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could "And your mother is alive?" brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had and capable of preserving a secret.' to his chemical studies. sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we followed. sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall jewels which you have stolen?' "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of all?" you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned his forehead." And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock felt the room to be a little close.' world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. closely." We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend "The gentleman I describe." presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." The telegram which we eventually received came late one night of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow "Do you go out much in society?" "But of what society?" doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: "I saw her in conversation with her maid." deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking three of the beryls in it, was missing. glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes "'Is purely nominal.' even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation he. The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been "On your arm?" master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported "None." original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, "What, then?" had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story "But who is he?" had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a crowd. towards the blaze. take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. "Could he throw no light?" dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America you." that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" "'Stolen!' he cried. "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of man. should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and Leadenhall Street--and--" "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of than to us. graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." at my own good fortune. soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping "Ample." "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." "Dark enough and sinister enough." a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the geese which you supplied to the Alpha." to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I "It was an hour's good drive." "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" felt the room to be a little close.' would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note "I answered that I had not. however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was "I have my revolver," said I. "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my "Where, indeed?" Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been happened." "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped said Mr. Holder. "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is