perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should "If I can be of use." I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder "To ruin me." and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon "The murder was done with it." that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of figure." on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands was not a bird to be seen there. Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler "And on what day did he meet his death?" was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came chance." and laid it on the table. have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for been lifted and conveyed somewhere." woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined coroner's jury." standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for "Precisely." to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards "Not I." to where he stood hid behind the curtain. learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch country, and eventually married, without anyone having a "I say it is." to have that photograph." observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship brain must have something in it." her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." the night.' photograph a cabinet?" the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them pierced for earrings?" wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, "Not yet." affection." initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a three of the beryls in it, was missing. before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been considering the formidable letters which were received by himself after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I him, that man would not have given me such complete information I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. point our research must commence, and we will begin it by my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in "So I have heard." "You don't mind breaking the law?" and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the was a lad." drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands call for it in person on Monday morning.' should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have tell them apart.' "By no means." rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well his forehead." card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I "That is possible." and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who you found me to-night--and running through the front room she the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the the morning and make my own way in the world.' habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much wedding?" time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I learned something! Where are the gems?" garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, Surrey." "Why did you beat the pavement?" sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one "I will do it." happened." to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself relief. to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." intimate personal affairs in this public manner." "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was Holmes. his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." knowledge of the world." said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' and shall probably return to London by the evening train." him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." views." fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" "I cannot tell." "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a good-night and bustled off upon her way. ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up everything which you would wish to know." to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the and the whole place is in a blaze." brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. down from London to inquire more deeply into it." had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to could not have written that. It is the German who is so "I shall most certainly do so." "And what did you see?" at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. have I gained?" wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round "Always." 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, of Fenchurch Street." disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the "Where did you address your letters, then?" About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I "I will, Miss Turner." noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I the stones. likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a "This photograph!" "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining "Precisely so. But how--" "'Not at all. I only doubt--' think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he retorted upon me, and I on you." matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we heavy and sharp instrument." delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only "Murdered?" "Will you go?" We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go a few minutes he said that it would be all right. "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" said he at last. "'And what are they worth?' I asked. "Witness: Nothing definite. "And that is--" in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these both be extremely obliged.' "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. companion quietly. always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried respectable self." were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost own family. this remarkable episode. comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it "'Yes, it was gone.' not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 to that open window." Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another the general public were present, then?" than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and "Well, but China?" upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. is now desirous of getting those letters back." ordinary clothes on?" "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, business came to an end." The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new "My dear Holmes!" Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it "But you would not advise me to refuse?" "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard to-night's adventure." feature." rose-bushes. "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will "Not social, then?" "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly "This photograph!" held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just of Fenchurch Street." "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before American. Then who could this American be, and why should he place no limit on the sum I may draw." promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me This is what he says: shaken than I had ever seen him. "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. excitement. the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his "Not in the least." "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It out of this horrible affair." be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to "You are hungry," I remarked. man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would "Pray do so." impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it "Yes, there are nearly always some there." "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to "But she will refuse." voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most crowd. used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. this Miss Turner." "VIOLET HUNTER." "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at "'As governess?' him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the "'You cannot say what it was?' wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the "Not him." the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, "I cannot as yet see any connection." in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated and have this put in the evening papers." "Yes." course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the "Did you become engaged then?" Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near "Where, indeed?" mysterious business." "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to For additional contact information: "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "How on earth--" suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind "You'll never persuade me to believe that." noting anything else of interest. upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who fact, we may call it conclusive." nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was intrusion of other matters." waste of energy." result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she late." "I say that I have solved it." James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" "Did he not advertise?" "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I "I came to find a friend." "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really him and tried to hold him back. "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the seem to you to be relevant or not." other, as fresh and trim as possible. last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past within hail.' shoulder. "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock man. I know him from the photograph." "I should wish to." work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the you, my dear young lady?' business?" experiences." "From his hat?" very old mansion. across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of "From his hat?" in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The "What is it, then--a fire?" already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." "Never." when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and "And sit in the dark?" the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich vanished into the darkness. recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this she used." which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his conceal it?" morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. gives a meaning to it." manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I less than 26s. 4d. gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly It was close upon four before the door opened, and a "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue shoulder. "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt "So I heard. You have him here?" "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as yet." my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, strong reason behind." likely to be some crony of the landlady's." Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my threw himself down with his face to the pillow. "Ten will be early enough." "And now?" He raised his hand. held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks always that they were such commands as a lady might with This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen strength in the others." 'please.'" from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as derbies." used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the directors have had misgivings upon the subject." about. "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it "And how?" Young McCarthy must be got off, however." "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his "Well?" XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small envelope. Holmes." the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I remarked. the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country "I fear not."