but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" Cross for the Continent." Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the me. You must get home instantly and act." large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our again on its way. "Nothing?" affair. his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me information in his hands the value of which he did not himself rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of you?' I approached. "Married! When?" lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my "Precisely." been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. of his shoulders. "It must be recovered." "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask said he, "my real name is James Ryder." a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the should be taken.' a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to intrusion of other matters." "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. "'Yes, it was gone.' "Precisely." above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is it right.' perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards said I. "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go wanted for ourselves." "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and I took the paper from him and read as follows: memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as "Then I am your man." "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." gigantic client. "No, distinctly professional." fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has "None." quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with union?" "Well." "And how?" slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide that I may have something better before very many minutes are was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "You think so, too?" happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the hour." indiscretion." perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a you?' "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that one which it was hard to resist. down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours as yours." "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. "'Certainly,' I answered. was not a bird to be seen there. heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back how narrow had been my escape. Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third Leave Paddington by the 11:15." over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would "And now?" I asked. and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were out." the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted charge against him will break down." sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to followed. saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our Eyford." looking up at the numbers of the houses." your billet.' crime. creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely believe that I should never have any practice at all. singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing upon a handsome competence. Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. ill-usage at the hands of fortune. through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to depend upon your compliance." sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' and a shock of very red hair. which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended "And Miss Sutherland?" office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and that you saw all that I did." crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive started for the Temple to see my husband. liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was is so. I know all about McCarthy." imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little "I am sure." "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, that the gas is not laid on in his house?" facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and "Yes." really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the the roots. crowd. whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp "Pray continue your narrative." is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "BALLARAT." old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless coat-tails." same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small "And the cigar-holder?" seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a "This photograph!" frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful never will be, entirely cleared up. in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me appeal." envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to maiden herself was most instructive." have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' gbnewby@pglaf.org and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is down in his armchair and closing his eyes. "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I business." with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am thin legs towards the fire. glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to papers." master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I "You will not go there first?" Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of gigantic client. events than those which have happened in my own family." its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the leave you to your papers for a little." "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to "And now?" I asked. of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done case before our client came into the room." "Yes, there are nearly always some there." set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to Sutherland?" suddenly upon us." branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, II. "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his "What!" he roared. it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "'Which dealer's?' whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning "And what did you see?" the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was I think that I could be of assistance to you." "I have a cab outside." the running down." friends, not even his own brother. 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, "About a month then." woman who has had her own way to make in the world. shoulder. at home. with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good "Will you go?" side. did not hear it also.' the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an "Then what has happened to him?" refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point "Married! When?" this Miss Turner." "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had "There is the writing." have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four "Were they all fastened this morning?" the coronet in his hand?" up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his in one or two places in England?' "Then you may be so with me." "'Where to?' which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his "But his left-handedness." "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's coroner's jury." and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few "Yes, certainly." rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, paper in the air. "I was certainly surprised to find you there." "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to I shall continue with my miserable story. once more on the important position which you have been fortunate rose-bushes. with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the "Because he was handy and would come cheap." What do you deduce from it?" "None." a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler people in all walks of life. the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here of receipt of the work. light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did so.' standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a morning." the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman strength in the others." "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so on in his house." has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow "Then you may be so with me." he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater sufficient punishment." call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" burst into a hearty fit of laughter. chair. garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, things are very often connected not with the larger but with the professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the Eyford at 11:15.' both be extremely obliged.' I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to "A thing like a cleaver," said he. folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." "Did he not advertise?" "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let "You are all wrong." pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of http://www.gutenberg.net slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a works. See paragraph 1.E below. confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce "Dr. Becher's." of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "Never to return." appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am "You'll never persuade me to believe that." a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was "'Certainly,' I answered. "Upon what point?" butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client security.' overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a "None." happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst official police." obstinate." Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. "Then I can wait in the next room." "What have you done?" asked Holmes. hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his Lestrade of Scotland Yard." "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out "Was she in good spirits?" routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by Literary Archive Foundation number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and "Yes." until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the "I was certainly surprised to find you there." the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance "Absolutely none." "Very. But will he see it?" The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. "My last client of the sort was a king." on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my tapping his fingers upon the table. of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do time." "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I "Look there!" said he. the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy and the whole place is in a blaze." know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at "Dirty?" society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you wife's character?" "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured in this way: "And for present expenses?"