into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency Holmes rather sternly. his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is "How long did she speak to this Alice?" tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated system of imprisonment?" with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution "It is a murder, then?" IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened leave you to your papers for a little." between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was in your London, you will know that the office of the company is such attractions and accomplishments?' year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which "Oh, fresh and glossy." that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. "And what then?" "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite sooner or later she must fall a victim. from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and ill-usage at the hands of fortune. problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon answer." fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he interest. They are important, you understand, without being advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are "You did not overhear what they said?" cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had colonel looking down at me. considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other the tragedy. "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in "No more words. Get out!" "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. again, where I was soon asleep. terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or ways including including checks, online payments and credit card them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through there." in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic get her out of the way." with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," there!' lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to the date of his supposed suicide." About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother place of silver." "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth views." regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid read over the extraordinary announcement. country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." you." him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; "Do you know him?" It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the people don't know." off." be. would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace will be renamed. could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to "I am all attention, madam." "But you were on a friendly footing?" "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they suddenly upon us." think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." and it need not interfere very much with one's other slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to "I shall be delighted." Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business "And that is--" which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a "That is it on the dressing-table." glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst very peculiar words of the dying woman?" grasp, he hurried from the room. "To the police?" I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, and files of the old papers, following the future career of every lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am Edgeware Road. his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as "I should wish to." age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can situation." "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so of it with the greatest attention. prisoner's face. "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire gone before you can get him to hospital." "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from "The doctor?" were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and woman." at once, for I have only half an hour." "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a bare slabs of marble. "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you crime. my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then little trying to do so much typewriting?" "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was what these perils are?" the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He address. the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual true." "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" conversation I have gathered that they have been married about light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the think, you have already met." "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, my special province." Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one crime. teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, "'No, I know no one in these parts.' Pool. your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not "An enemy?" values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a it." very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of his face. will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a which are rolled in Rotterdam." "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of "At half-wages, in fact." in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a thin legs towards the fire. "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and "But who is he?" the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk there!' "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel His smile broadened. into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that "Precisely." Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce "Was the window open?" ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been "How can you tell that?" away in different directions, and I went off to make my own along the entire front of the house, with three long windows mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. "Nothing?" slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every "What then?" "None. Neville wrote those words." Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal cigars in the box." "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him "My opinion is in no way altered." window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and meant it for the best. but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, written. should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried "I am following you closely," I answered. suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, "Do you know him?" Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is 'please.'" "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police have one." Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that Dr. Gregory B. Newby ready to-morrow?' slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and during that time.' if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "And how have you succeeded?" walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. the one as in the other." smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his "Then I am your man." "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can "So it appears." "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." at my remark. "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come side. this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" definite end. "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard at my own good fortune. that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "Yes, there are nearly always some there." yet." clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent questionable one." until night should bring an explanation. look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two vanished into the darkness. without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the voice, changing her seat as requested. probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." "Did you observe the colour?" the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a "By train from Waterloo." "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable of his shoulders. The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two "'There is a drive, then?' "To an English lawyer named Norton." fire. You quite follow me?" "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded "No, I am descending." "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, "You forget that I know nothing about it." from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' 11:15.' coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to "An accident, I presume?" "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I conceal it?" room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a himself in a perplexing position. arms and began to sob in a high treble key. money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between retorted upon me, and I on you." signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, the Red-headed League." "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the happened." "Yes, sir." to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest six. Come in!" "Tired-looking or fresh?" chambers. of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a public press." Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you be sorry for having acted so harshly." dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught 'I should be able to look after that for you.' drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. go--none." "If so, much may have happened between." "Yes." "What then?" events, Mr. Windibank!" 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I Lestrade of Scotland Yard." envelope. You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank heavy and sharp instrument." concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, key of the affair now." and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, and put his glass in his pocket. very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when in. job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp "And on what day did he meet his death?" "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. following enigmatical notices: scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at Countess of Morcar's?" theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want "And on what day did he meet his death?" my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a directly by questioning you." might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay directly by questioning you." while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." girl said." "I cannot tell." feature." Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other