and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the of fine shops and stately business premises that they really already been minutely examined." "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length time." in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 beyond words. a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my "'It is locked up,' I answered. "Pray tell us what has happened to you." knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond gigantic client. "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the "'Most admirably.' companion. hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the matters immensely." that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been taking in every detail of the apartment. was feeling which was the fattest.' "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall Sholtos." "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of business in the City. She little knew what. have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" "The vanishing of the lady." keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "Stolen, then." fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang an introduction to him?" disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they good-night and bustled off upon her way. Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have means taking possession of that which another person has a prior either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right be there in time for your coming." "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I "Bought." roused himself from his reverie. Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which place, I think that there is good ground to think that the instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. have got?" "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. leaning back in his chair. the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late photograph?" feature." The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was again on its way. agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in "Of Friday, June 19th." "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office during which he might have communicated with his friend the jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but distinguish the words: stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear followed. "You did not overhear what they said?" events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the Surrey." the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT not fit the lock." "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may fatally injured? object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of you." "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in prison!" weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what examination of the premises, but without finding anything which often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last article?" "No more words. Get out!" him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the the coronet in his hands?" sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that ashen face. much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." meant." fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I wedding?" his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and "What shall I do?" "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there key of the affair now." conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a Have you good authority for what you say?" "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside "Then you may entirely rely on me." came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He subject to the trademark license, especially commercial "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm "The Cedars?" works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." "A confidential servant?" then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at cheerful." "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an "What then?" metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was "I cannot imagine." out." Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in London for the present?" be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and "Ah, but I was recommended to you." coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, October 9, 1890. back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he which our visitor detailed to us. His smile broadened. believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET "No, I am descending." "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend one or two very singular points about this room. For example, some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found "She will not sell." For additional contact information: time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." you." showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with problems help me to do so." be best to do. course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to there were so many in the whole country as were brought together of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? less than 26s. 4d. "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present intrusion of other matters." direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered "What office?" assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. "And why in hopes?" "It was." "But the mystery?" many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that it right.' I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my been anything against him. He had for years been known as a good for you to do.' for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up which we had just quitted. "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should "The Coroner: What do you mean? "And now?" I asked. follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself future lives." inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" awkward doing business with an alias." name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window there were so many in the whole country as were brought together have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always "I am sure." open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You "I shall be delighted." despair." "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." your billet.' thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A chair. ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "Was the window open?" younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of my special province." "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. over part of the map. "What do you read?" unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. "What office?" hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous "That is easily got." "Has he come with you to-night?" which was all perfectly true. King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and Foundation after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. "Not social, then?" 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's legal crime." to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "Indeed! Whose, then?" set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use interested in these little problems, and since you are good that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique "On the contrary, this is the right side." "'Yes, I promise.' learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after your billet.' which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your approach us with offers to donate. have I gained?" 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding electronic works after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I when you have done it." discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my ways of our fellow-men." "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate will not take me long to tell. But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be from the brougham. One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was to-night's adventure." and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." "At what time?" Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful whereabouts. remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for hands. at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to "We must have a cab." "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your awkward doing business with an alias." One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of help us in this matter." centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect or in danger--" One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian used to be." indeed which he could not unravel. look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." are, and they are waiting for us." all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical "That is possible." trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an The note was undated, and without either signature or address. initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but "It may not come to that," said Holmes. are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. weapon." preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell purpose of examination. sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal key turn in the lock." "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair soul! here is her carriage at the door." you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has "'And what are they worth?' I asked. round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few you in yours." while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the Holmes' face clouded over. "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe