a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was done what I asked you, Jones?" that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET outbreak?" desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to Cross for the Continent." Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice Miss Holder?" behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and undoubtedly my uncle's." course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was really the only notable feature about the thing." been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she you." freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my "What have you to say now?" little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's as the one I chose?' "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be man. "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to "Perfectly so." may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was the salesman. my former friend and companion. She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, "But I am all in the dark." wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed head. So long, then!" "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small fatally injured? "'Not at all. I only doubt--' freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest look upon these things in a different way." the inner apartment." not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more investigation." taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner fashion which was peculiar to him. resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so You can understand that this register and diary may implicate sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But new acquaintance to Baker Street. also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was straighten it?" frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." "But she will refuse." ready to-morrow?' the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with feature." "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. begin with, and I had not got mine yet." excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his have an American origin." "What have you to say now?" object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his will not take me long to tell. prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, in a friendly supper." "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able will he say when he returns?" "Can I be of assistance?" stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the suspect him." his grey eyes. into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." "I am in hopes that she does." and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert better grown goose." really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, "But it has twice been burgled." insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible "'As governess?' entirely devoid of interest." direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I the dangers which encompass me." baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the will be renamed. black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and You can understand that this register and diary may implicate "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches retorted upon me, and I on you." broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' Mrs. Toller serenely. dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the call it cruel." the little opening for the ventilator is." "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my Countess of Morcar's?" most interesting one." is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. asked with his eyes open. us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to together. as noiselessly as she had come. beyond words. certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was vanished into the darkness. there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become examine." to affect your life." conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no tapping his fingers upon the table. much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission most interesting one." Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and Lestrade of Scotland Yard." nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the "That you are never beaten." still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, "No. What a strange idea!" without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his something of him before." ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in "She walked into the breakfast-room." "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached fashion which was peculiar to him. "And Irene Adler?" since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in "None." really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless that before taking the final step I should like to submit the practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She his wife has ceased to love him." grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room "At what time?" understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly "No, distinctly professional." "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings quick march!" "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That bonnet, and went out." brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could fattened it expressly for you.' business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir threw himself down with his face to the pillow. Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss me, and I could not think that his explanation of the was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been "'I am sure that I do not know.' "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were "She walked into the breakfast-room." the so-precious time, but come!' black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons "Won't it ring?" the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and Street. over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but of campaign. "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not Lestrade of Scotland Yard." shadow pass over his face as I spoke. so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging leave you to your papers for a little." passage and a tap at the door. just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled tassel actually lying upon the pillow. he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes the stable lane now." Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other bachelor.' you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists status with the IRS. this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, been able to understand it, in a very few words. "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked standing smiling on the door-step. and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid "But how did you gain them?" "How about poison?" As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were The King stared at him in amazement. be sorry for having acted so harshly." "A call for help, you thought?" air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the ways of our fellow-men." suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out "Ah!" This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall danger is over." the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare redistribution. "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of correct than the official force." "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is front of me. head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance any little problem which you may submit to me." devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she lectures into a series of tales." that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from along the entire front of the house, with three long windows the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any strength of mind to control. fluttered off among the others. in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. to-night." words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment "No, I had a dozen." confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope both be extremely obliged.' of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. "Not yet." he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but "Was she in good spirits?" the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a bird of prey. could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met "When did she vanish, then?" prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy "No, my brougham is waiting." the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it For additional contact information: unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she because she had spent so short a time in this country that she which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but skylight. "Nothing?" like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are just called myself is not exactly my own." This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their "Breckinridge is his name." habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, Mrs. Toller serenely. "Why did you pick him?" head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at interests were the same as his." "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." "Yes." appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his is four-and-twenty." there when the Rucastles went away." Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your "He is dead," cried several voices. given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on crowd. collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from fait accompli?" me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from into the room. assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke is so. I know all about McCarthy." beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she tell him that I know him to be innocent." out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock and no precautions can guard against." "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her But Holmes shook his head gravely. that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, "Why serious?" clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming "Yes, the wine-cellar." "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I "Pray do so." though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me "I beg pardon." on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly