hardly wander." "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search weapon." "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting green of the new foliage. "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of "Did you observe the colour?" see me here to avoid scandal." be sorry for having acted so harshly." before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the "Imitated." "I think that it is very probable." London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner http://gutenberg.net/license). creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect "But who is he?" chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the questioning and rather startled gaze. rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the which was all perfectly true. Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long prison!" to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his John Swain, of St. Augustine. skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been foresight and the moral retrogression?" deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" "That is it on the dressing-table." warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' had picked up in the wood. so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." "Very. But will he see it?" and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed prisoner's face. her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about "What, then, did Peterson do?" between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was was once confined in the cab my mission was practically He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at *** START: FULL LICENSE *** "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. is now desirous of getting those letters back." reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your along the entire front of the house, with three long windows one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary You can understand that this register and diary may implicate of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly the iron safe, which he closed upon it. wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of your room." have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life interests were the same as his." There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an your billet.' "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, upon the sideboard." other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest "Why did you beat the pavement?" my former friend and companion. compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began papers diligently of late, have you not?" in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you "Very truly yours, many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." John Swain, of St. Augustine. I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases became a certainty. hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, six. Come in!" then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking shoulder; "he's all right." to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "Yes." still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining Clair, of Lee." pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not shoulder; "he's all right." would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I up this clue while it is still hot." and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the forecastle of an emigrant ship. three of the beryls in it, was missing. in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of back alive. "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark "Perhaps I have." sparkled upon his finger. was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage "Yes, there are nearly always some there." and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down "ARAT," I read. would apply.' him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable at a side door. "No legal papers or certificates?" "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our the coronet in his hands?" the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the "That is it on the dressing-table." I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." on re-entering her father's house?" "What?" "Thank you. Pray proceed." when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a "Was the window open?" over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." silent! Oh, he will be silent!' over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a "And Miss Sutherland?" with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns any little problem which you may submit to me." on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' The telegram which we eventually received came late one night spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" maid will bring up your coffee." the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate "But his lameness?" a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. "I assure you that I am in your hands." have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of enough to aid us in our search." wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save "In which, sir?" most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her in this note: his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. "I say that I have solved it." poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the British peeress.'" companion quietly. other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. could gather together that I was able to avert another public be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the already been minutely examined." secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital there is a decided draught." for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few of the one which your family is now devouring." "Very. But will he see it?" of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young "You horrify me!" few hundred pounds.' you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, depend upon your compliance." distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than shall use the carriage to-night." in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as hour?' I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, will not take me long to tell. it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," "The doctor?" "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." "Of what?" constraint." shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from sofa. This way, please!" the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when "Really! You surprise me." yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter hopeless attempt at recovering them." professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." which it had come upon my father." "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in guilty one." consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that highly," said Holmes. marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his ready to-morrow?' Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows threw himself down with his face to the pillow. acquaintance?" pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, "Texas, I think." which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. furiously. http://www.gutenberg.net "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. gbnewby@pglaf.org "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" I shall communicate with you." written. "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us shadow pass over his face as I spoke. "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. one else, I think." wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three "A client, then?" not use it unless it is absolutely needed." recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate appeal." informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not think that any burglar could have done. Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug the Red-headed League." beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable in one or two places in England?' steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your sneer upon his pale face. railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who "But what will you do?" along the entire front of the house, with three long windows in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall and looked back. "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without information in his hands the value of which he did not himself bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, himself to hunt down. "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we situation." "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the could not account in any way for the presence of the missing have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. begun to whiten, even as mine has." "And you thought he was pulled back?" size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that "I was mad--insane." - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from sneer upon his pale face. Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the will find little credit to be gained out of this case." waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which once more to my work. "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has "Indeed! Whose, then?" was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being you, my dear young lady?' it with his own hands." though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a have got?" front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "We must have a cab." He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, "'Very good.' it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." "We were both in the photograph." "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly back into the street. entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we beg that you will break it off." turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of families. Now for the facts. warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at the running down." cup of tea. "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," Does that suggest anything?" here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see without success. At last the little money which I had saved began should be so warm over such a trifle." Eyford at 11:15.' "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the completely overtopped every other consideration that we both housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. you understand?" would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his said he. back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I third from London." Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. my secret was safe in his possession. "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray "I should wish to." a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which was keenly on my guard against him. plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us.