your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." so far?" Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is "Where is it, then?" have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "By no means." and a shock of very red hair. "We have tried and failed." "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a "Then you may entirely rely on me." XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a "'What then?' I asked. words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my lost his Christmas dinner." As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, letters?" however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and "Yes." "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further "And how?" somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see were wasted." front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a Chief Executive and Director repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' "I have my revolver," said I. confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the "What, then?" eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be into the room. Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it memory. benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have as yours." some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" like gravel from a pit.' He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out to-night." the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and "Very. But will he see it?" "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next forbidden door. "My dear Holmes!" "The doctor?" of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which an introduction to him?" Holmes' room. Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled washing it down with a long draught of water. cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come "Absolutely?" "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the ways of our fellow-men." before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray "'About the same.' was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a "Entirely." was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already business at Coburg Square is serious." "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." "He is dead," cried several voices. round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "Well?" little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of and all of them with the keenest interest. did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax intimate personal affairs in this public manner." "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, "I cannot say that I have." more terrible than the truth. always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be fat-encircled eyes. that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do following enigmatical notices: "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on remarked. her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his any more." "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass like that before?" absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely "Why, what do you mean?" and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as official police." they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an my secret was safe in his possession. "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we "No, thank goodness, she did not." tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, "Not particularly." trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I it? Did I buy the geese off you?" "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, knowledge of the world." The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I gone. hands. "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the there when the Rucastles went away." his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my address. if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." "Yes." "What steps will you take?" I asked. "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to in this note: shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the following enigmatical notices: had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical than to us. two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to "But his lameness?" "But the mystery?" plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered done what I asked you, Jones?" you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of business." it." turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. evidence," I remarked. "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "I am in hopes that she does." "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that "Yes." "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless appeal." crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. strange features which were associated with the two crimes which vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the "He slept on the premises." and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have Young McCarthy must be got off, however." "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me "In what way?" asked Holmes. "I am sure." WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, "That is possible." he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the "No legal papers or certificates?" of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat to take care of herself." and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the one which it was hard to resist. With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "I should be immensely obliged to you." "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else a very grave face. McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." that I may have something better before very many minutes are pierced for earrings?" applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest despair." "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite of them has the shutters up.' one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police "I warn you that they are very incomplete." Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy may have an influence upon European history." know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch for securing the situation." the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done "I should wish to." provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will "Yesterday." surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled His smile broadened. "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all "Nothing." but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On which should have the effect of calling the attention of the what I may call a really hard day's work." "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that colonel looking down at me. his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, main points of my analysis." you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining these bleak autumnal evenings." "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting "Whose house is it?" It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I "That is not always so easy." returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; "Perhaps I have." would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a "You know me, then?" "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was observed. LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE imbecility!" he cried. "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given your sleep?' "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose room had already been engaged for us. him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "So I have heard." to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, "Yes." touch that coronet?' late." We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to one of them." you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy "And now?" I asked. empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the and laid it on the table. ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. once more for Briony Lodge. "Yes." 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I "It is no ordinary one." charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round "So I heard. You have him here?" not use it unless it is absolutely needed." "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after danger is over." all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had directors have had misgivings upon the subject." said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the photograph a cabinet?" that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "'In my own bureau.' man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty such person." return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "Very much so." "Oh, the cause is excellent!" "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, depend upon your compliance." already referred to. a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw "What is it, then--a fire?" table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the "Not I." Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" some place of shelter and let the county police know what has deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had outside." "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the "Then, as to money?" sofa. This way, please!" she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you he died? building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting bed dies. Does not that strike you?" great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about do.' through." bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the "Who was the criminal, then?" "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "And for present expenses?" clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. like gravel from a pit.' and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The up this clue while it is still hot." "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more bird I ate is country bred." "A call for help, you thought?" London for the present?" 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from