met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try "Imitated." "Where, indeed?" address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than "Why? What do you mean?" burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a one's self under obligations.' village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as arrested. You then--" nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything "But how could you guess what the motive was?" "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the whole matter to your consideration." a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood too. one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is drove away. "When did it break out?" was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no persecution?" room?" instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The "Precisely." very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." the room while you explain this matter?" mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly "Proceed, then." "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which the coronet in his hand?" "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as voice, changing her seat as requested. Serpentine Avenue. go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a "Yes." presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble "How about poison?" and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed pressing in one house as in another. interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at the driver. freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is nonsense.' "'There is a drive, then?' official police." landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "Really! You surprise me." among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a the Friday. Was it to be in church?" fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" "I would give my fortune to have them back." "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy as he folded up the epistle. both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "Really! You surprise me." arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she "Proceed, then." "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can "And how?" down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I your only hope of safety." wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, "Precisely." travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. death." should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he people in all walks of life. "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend "Because he was handy and would come cheap." of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some there." "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was "But she will refuse." old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already ways of our fellow-men." can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case "Very truly yours, "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." newspaper selections." be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. it with his own hands." the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "May I see it?" "But I have heard all that you have heard." armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. "How did that help you?" By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the I think that I could be of assistance to you." the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At "Yes." have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come depend upon my doing so.' Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door "You will not go there first?" "But you have hopes?" "I will do it." I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. "And you thought he was pulled back?" which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and one which it was hard to resist. my little problems." Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to Dr. Gregory B. Newby until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his "Will you bet, then?" observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss late!' a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me without success. At last the little money which I had saved began and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an "Then you may be so with me." have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right Pope's Court, Fleet Street." "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It derbies." He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy not, dad?" she asked. to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a "Of what?" "Did he not advertise?" things are very often connected not with the larger but with the "Pray be precise as to details," said he. received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his "And Miss Sutherland?" It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So "Deserted you?" Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a forebodings. lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." address. Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' "And the murderer?" low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, read it out to me." however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." spark where all is dark to me." imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very the iron safe, which he closed upon it. "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I evidence," I remarked. ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed events, Mr. Windibank!" and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they "I have hopes." Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this that there was nothing in it, after all." discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 "How can you tell that?" fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern house for five minutes.' twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. drawing your inferences." "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with vague figure huddled up in the darkness. "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. "Very. But will he see it?" state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside his grey eyes. "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' "To ruin me." she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said "From his hat?" cigars in their mouths. it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" "To ruin me." room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a business?" years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time whatever might befall. waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old "My dear Holmes!" "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face it." idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. important." and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! he died? probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing money should be paid at once.' of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw "'There is a drive, then?' envelope. hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I "The King of Scandinavia." bell. Holmes whistled. but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson gentleman's clothes. invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall are, I think, all that we need." tell him that I know him to be innocent." "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first "'Yes, I promise.' thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent clanging. whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and you give your casting vote to?" "And what did you learn from him?" to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, Serpentine Avenue. "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to "I am in hopes that she does." yourselves in at night?" was a perfect sample of the class. slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in cost them two and thirty pounds." to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is through." "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official His smile broadened. their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told "Oh, yes, easily." connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and "Two days later this same performance was gone through under it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the entirely devoid of interest." "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on "Can I be of assistance?" and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I silent! Oh, he will be silent!' I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in "On your arm?" possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you "Do you go out much in society?" The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he breakfast?" sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester to have that photograph." kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a true." terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, all?" abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his lamp in his hand. habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." young Openshaw's." matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or he bowed and left the room without another word. "Pray continue your narrative." Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. and wait." asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and o'clock is it?" printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." the so-precious time, but come!' bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "Indeed! Whose, then?" The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit as he remarks, very much against the son." thin, with a long, sharp nose?" telegram would bring me down to your help." "Ha! you find it so?" he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed my secret was safe in his possession. charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in the coronet in his hands?" "Upon what point?" he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went quite distinctive." an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. what these perils are?" "And now?" He raised his hand. police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." "And Miss Sutherland?" whereabouts. built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for nonsense.' room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his