case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing in this way: newspaper selections." on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer Mary, has deserted me." observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns The King stared at him in amazement. "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass in him." that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to on re-entering her father's house?" it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative of it with the greatest attention. is entirely a question of barometric pressure." "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into "But what harm can there be in that?" slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very quick march!" hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open charged with?" "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly posted to-day." 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now that you saw all that I did." star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." opportunities to fix the problem. back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in I shall communicate with you." Doctor, of the paper and the date." half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some my special province." depend upon my doing so.' pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. you understand?" discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such "And why in hopes?" "And is that all?" "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. ordinary clothes on?" exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. shaken than I had ever seen him. long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the forbidden door. redistribution. written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked silent! Oh, he will be silent!' "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which "Did your wife hear all this?" "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, "He disappeared so suddenly." Clair, of Lee." labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has me. ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost "You have compromised yourself seriously." There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" and files of the old papers, following the future career of every here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys became a certainty. been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had "I am in hopes that she does." occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had second window is the one that I jumped from." office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to front of the hall door has given its name to the place. continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few very old mansion. "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, I have it here in my museum." "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ Doctor, of the paper and the date." "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own and a shock of very red hair. having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. few hundred pounds.' could go. copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I the date of his supposed suicide." everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," "Yes." man. "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in digesting their breakfasts at home." which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and rat could hardly pass through." business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post persecution?" they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, Doctor, of the paper and the date." "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. lumber-room." orange pips. I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any to Leatherhead. fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed in the port of London." from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he fled together." "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work particular state visit http://pglaf.org It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon sofa. This way, please!" thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to the room while you explain this matter?" "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said you?" I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as chance." which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. characteristics, but those are the more obvious." "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late were unconscious?" gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this breakfast." to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense lumber-room." society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at all-comprehensive glances. dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office annoyance, but no jest. "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, an introduction to him?" "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless following enigmatical notices: "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at in this note: easy-going way." "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed "VIOLET HUNTER." - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first which our visitor detailed to us. nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think "And your mother is alive?" swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' and effective." "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my row." thin legs towards the fire. Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some his huge brown hands. of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a "I will, Miss Turner." machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. "And Miss Sutherland?" eavesdroppers?' and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and and wait." "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. at home. the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by strength of mind to control. such person." the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he works. See paragraph 1.E below. "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was "'There is a drive, then?' I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage and no precautions can guard against." secret." "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given down. "'Yes, sir.' kind enough to tell me what I should do." the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining know what is wrong with it.' "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in the room while you explain this matter?" clang of the bell. "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I with you alone." been deceived." "Well?" long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly "Stoke Moran?" said he. few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall "Then what has happened to him?" "Really! You surprise me." "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain affection." "One of the highest in England." places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their "9th. McCauley cleared. "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself "This photograph!" feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from joking. official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique upon the sideboard." October 9, 1890. tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt several quiet little villages up there." been able to understand it, in a very few words. "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly "What do you mean?" gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how be best to do. light and attacked it." McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, if I call to-morrow?" finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business the iron safe, which he closed upon it. push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my any more." surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to "It is possible." Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a lost nothing by them." consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she important." "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on "'What would be the hours?' I asked. returned to France?" woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any "Perhaps I have." once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I "You have carte blanche." "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, minor matters until to-morrow." inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was way in." in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the the Friday. Was it to be in church?" "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late "I saw her in conversation with her maid." Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as habit of advancing money.' "I am following you closely," I answered. into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it "You saw the ventilator, too?" "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing "What?" analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was in one or two places in England?' "My own seal." "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by should be taken.' but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the lids now and glanced across at his visitor. myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it remarked. with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. "That is also quite modern," said the lady. "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite read over the extraordinary announcement. fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "'Ample.' "Yes." like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head "You forget that I know nothing about it." the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the such attractions and accomplishments?' Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a "Why did you beat the pavement?" down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and is four-and-twenty." planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that that the gas is not laid on in his house?" photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering happened."