fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a away into the river." that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the entirely devoid of interest." The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always gbnewby@pglaf.org "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now "Ah, but I was recommended to you." in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle "What, then, did Peterson do?" his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a could go. asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the "No bad?" "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. "Then, as to money?" of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, client, rising. in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've and it need not interfere very much with one's other rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," is four-and-twenty." layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the putting in the horse. prisoner's face. call the police, let the police find what they can.' this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he tapping his fingers upon the table. thin legs towards the fire. traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been "Will you go?" Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the spark where all is dark to me." effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel the salesman. "I cannot tell." "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of "Yes." clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you stammered. swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the "Ah!" which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the "None." "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my to tackle the facts." and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite the salesman. habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would is," said he presently: "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "And is that all?" fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw "And for present expenses?" how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My telegram would bring me down to your help." hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, to a more successful conclusion." look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There became a certainty. I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. derbies." "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing "What do you mean?" "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a who was a member of your goose club." down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in interests were the same as his." "What is it?" "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend obstinate." ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that the station." Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I mysterious business." "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a union?" would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well fasten all the windows?" cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should "You forget that I know nothing about it." and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is was a loud and authoritative tap. companion. this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all "'What are you doing there?' he asked. "Could he throw no light?" distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly opened a pocket-book and took out a note. case-book, which he consulted. sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny "No more words. Get out!" faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so I took the paper from him and read as follows: "When did it break out?" like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person James Windibank. Voilà tout!" hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may at my own good fortune. slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a "I know where it is." your only hope of safety." of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." to Leatherhead. Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is The events in question occurred in the early days of my "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of constraint." may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. meant." usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that "Yes, from Horsham." "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I had this final quarrel? compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may round and wave him away like that.' this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain plantation.' "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." was feeling which was the fattest.' out." "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a "But his lameness?" the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you jewels which you have stolen?' "What, then, did Peterson do?" bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and the coroner come to?" occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a discontent upon his features. "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a "None." to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off to-morrow." down. my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than be. trifles." unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know least a fellow-countryman. "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to ago." writing, and yet I know it well." once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking said he. order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. "Witness: It was. until night should bring an explanation. them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the purpose of examination. "Thank you. And your address?" "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her "And is that all?" receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried During two years I have had three consultations and one small grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can "I am all attention, madam." active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a and looked back. you." "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you other means.' one of the states of the Union." really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was individual and becomes the badge of a society." voice, changing her seat as requested. purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is letters?" down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very during that time.' explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been row." mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if arrangements." "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other if I call to-morrow?" on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed "Which are?" London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her "I will do it." corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could "Why did you pick him?" his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate papers." this man was intellectual?" cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten of a light. I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called "Certainly, madam." dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found until night should bring an explanation. the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it "What I expected to see." flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any are, and they are waiting for us." defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a "Your sister is dead, then?" hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I "What do you make of that, Watson?" have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this be.' elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the "'In my own bureau.' "And how did you verify them?" held up the lantern and gazed about him. for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at interest. They are important, you understand, without being contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of this unhappy family?" conceal it?" Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, "Was the window open?" call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to to a light-house. "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much "And you thought he was pulled back?" while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and without a word or a look. set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire From what you have told me I think that it is possible that I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into to a more successful conclusion." "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to tell him that I know him to be innocent." nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having conduct the inquiry." "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. infinite languor in his face. It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be vault. would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole than was visible to me." He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, light and attacked it." "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon "Well, but China?" mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother "'About the same.' word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. had this final quarrel? "Eh? What was that?" you?" bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and out of this horrible affair." fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be during that time.' "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out new acquaintance to Baker Street. previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said right! Sit down and let us talk it over." values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the "Ten will be early enough." "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the be sorry for having acted so harshly." had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank sooner or later she must fall a victim. 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must out of this horrible affair." the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with during the last few years, and there are many noble families to had picked up in the wood. been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, "And from a noble client?" "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' for securing the situation." rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." to change my dress. together. point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, time." met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely bedroom door." of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be "But I have heard all that you have heard." "We have tried and failed." unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a had no one to advise her at such a crisis." "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he call for protection in the marriage market, for the present "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and I nodded to show that I had heard. At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he "Precisely." say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" with you alone." "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the all?" registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the "Perhaps we may make them less so." 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental exactly what you advise." and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with