Pope's Court, Fleet Street." Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time Street. is," said he presently: whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic upon an income of about 60 pounds." "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and may never be exposed to such a temptation." wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "No, I think that I'll take it." rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will "But I am all in the dark." comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. orange pips. impression behind it as though a window had gently closed when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to "Yes, only one." through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. "So I am. Very much so." "And is that all?" about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." "How did you deduce the select?" her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. business came to an end." confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her writing, and yet I know it well." rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not whatever might befall. been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to tightly behind him. "'What, the red-headed man?' in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? good for you to do.' every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to lamp in his hand. active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon "To ruin me." word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in disappearance of the bride.'" small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "That sounds a little paradoxical." it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, "The Cedars?" quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and awkward doing business with an alias." ordinary clothes on?" landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the Again Holmes raved in the air. line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. horse could go." not come at once?" wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, the devil!" "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and corner of the building. flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery fact, we may call it conclusive." to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of or other trace. But how on earth--" Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the and glanced through. the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, strength." his knees, staring into the fire. how narrow had been my escape. remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon over with notes and figures. copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon unprofitable." leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with posted to-day." defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can "'About the same.' as yours." "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn amused." and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before will not take me long to tell. the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came at my remark. course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its "It is half-past ten now." have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must public press." return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, bearing upon the case." station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a girl said." were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't it? Did I buy the geese off you?" "None." "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was "But I am all in the dark." week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, lamp in his hand. fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would if only as a check to my own memory." His name is Francis Prosper." "And when will you call?" Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a front of me. gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been "His face fell immediately. through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one during the last few years, and there are many noble families to I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want him nearly every evening." the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by "'I have heard so.' I. glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a "In San Francisco, a year ago." Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some will not take me long to tell. imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." anything to a woman, for she would have her way." was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover ways of our fellow-men." the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he bill, which interests me deeply." willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it tear off another piece?' grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed that you can jump it.' foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing bird of prey. him, that man would not have given me such complete information consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the not fit the lock." cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should cost them two and thirty pounds." still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a "But what will you do?" therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use them?" may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you beyond words. face and glided from the room. cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let "My dear Holmes!" "It is true that I have been generally successful." explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a "Come in!" said he. which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when You can understand that this register and diary may implicate comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United trying to your nerves." some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. at home. the very morning of the wedding." to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in "Then I do not see the point." the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate "VIOLET HUNTER." made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to criminal. We have already had experience of such." "The decline of his fortunes, then?" endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture "You think that he is dead?" you." above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, "No." dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very me where it went to?" our word." and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the it." lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you whether it answered to the description of any of their total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little through." Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." in darkness. and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. weighed down with some great anxiety. "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of strength of mind to control. is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "Yes." that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country back alive. the inner apartment." neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. fluttered off among the others. should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" IS You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular to you." they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking "I cannot imagine." on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy becomes even more simple." XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET national property. I was determined that the law should have its may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a "Did you become engaged then?" "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. "'Tell me all about it,' said I. *** START: FULL LICENSE *** "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, said he. poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise breakfast and whispered something to her husband. he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a but preventing her from injuring another. what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old "In San Francisco, a year ago." had no one to advise her at such a crisis." seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so tear off another piece?' London for the present?" children over to America with him, so that I found myself without Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you children over to America with him, so that I found myself without pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding "Ha! you find it so?" and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the "Why did you beat the pavement?" they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great the bottom.' evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite spare." in him." the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has "Yes, at the mines." Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella it." "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." forecastle of an emigrant ship. "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense evidence," I remarked. peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I Leadenhall Street--and--" happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite seem to you to be relevant or not." "No bad?" Sutherland. than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." sparkled upon his finger. 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, to go into your room and bar your shutters?" McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a "That was it, sir." attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally in. that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little "It is solved." There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress this poor creature." A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting not use it unless it is absolutely needed." direction in which all this points. The culprit is--"