in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was and I shall be with you presently." Cross for the Continent." them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that "You horrify me." "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. "We have tried and failed." matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, ashen face. feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought legal crime." to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of the stones. "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of hands. In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily present strange and interesting features that it is no easy the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I "Which are?" being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms not personally threatened." you?' you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was written, and locked the door of the office after me. that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I main points of my analysis." "And your father? Did you tell him?" closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "And you thought he was pulled back?" come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and not within a twentieth part of the market price." "On your arm?" firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his the very letters. But what is this written above them?' affection." "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small "Did your wife hear all this?" 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the your equipment. Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that where we are going." All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ Holmes rather sternly. calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his them?" "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "But he might be a bachelor." village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not "You heard nothing yourself last night?" serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he was already answered. Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, that before taking the final step I should like to submit the Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, forebodings. Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, are, I think, all that we need." "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say point in the dark hollow of his hand. of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few in him." "Well?" her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the drawing your inferences." "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I "What, then, did Peterson do?" footfalls from the street. whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is "So I am. Very much so." "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter point our research must commence, and we will begin it by stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, room had already been engaged for us. which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the crowd. "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's held up the lantern and gazed about him. "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you writers could invent nothing more crude." beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she you for a few hours?" statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are "I cannot imagine." me. take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. "You are certainly joking, Holmes." finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the memory. matter." "Seven!" I answered. "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" business." Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The with her." Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went "Pray continue your narrative." most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that eat it." I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so back into the street. before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the "What are they?" the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty this poor creature." "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the "None." "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" "What then?" paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one one of the states of the Union." gone before you can get him to hospital." distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where and files of the old papers, following the future career of every "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you along the entire front of the house, with three long windows the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and look upon these things in a different way." his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go indeed which he could not unravel. "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered some terrible trap for her." up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. congratulate you again." in his power. During two years I have had three consultations and one small room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but leaning back in his chair. say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of done what I asked you, Jones?" "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. "I should wish to." the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet and your relations to her." "And now?" I asked. headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold retorted upon me, and I on you." "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and of Mr. Rucastle's." "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said to a more successful conclusion." protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend "Ten will be early enough." provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. "I will get her to show me." me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." wife's character?" absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, "'How far from the body?' the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was your Highness to the police-station?" Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest hurried by. lost his Christmas dinner." "Yes." pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his I think that I could be of assistance to you." and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord October 9, 1890. Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, "Then I can wait in the next room." conduct the inquiry." prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have "Your French gold?" great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my new acquaintance to Baker Street. secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. fattened it expressly for you.' let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the without success. At last the little money which I had saved began "And you don't know his address?" "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of "'Yes, sir.' not personally threatened." puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away "Yes, all." more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from "Then, how do you know?" "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and "How often?" shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a way: "My dear Holmes!" reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you just ask you whether you had heard it.' elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would 1.E.9. firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of recall any case within my experience which looked at the first "How did that help you?" door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I and it need not interfere very much with one's other may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance undoubtedly my uncle's." "Yes." forbidden door. me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching "I think that it is very probable." could not have written that. It is the German who is so had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot upon a handsome competence. furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a very old mansion. "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six was not a bird to be seen there. "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town "Won't it ring?" XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged my friend's incisive reasoning. son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the I shall communicate with you." and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his "What! a murderous attack?" "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier "Will you bet, then?" "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a bled considerably." family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would "Of what?" when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you round with crates and massive boxes. "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and name is different." "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls "Then you may be so with me." suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same his grey eyes. home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your "And why in hopes?" "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the followed. face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." my former friend and companion. been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, handed it to him. value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from fasten all the windows?" of it with the greatest attention. utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a suddenly upon us." Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with the address that was given us in the advertisement. several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, whereabouts. "Have you her photograph?" have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." "Is he quiet?" "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings them?" right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable the stable lane now." the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," "I have a cab outside." it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon "How often?" noble correspondent could be. Farm upon the left." to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to Where does the thing come from?' the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out "Your presence might be invaluable." admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project swore that no one else had been in the front room during the "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of "'Very good.' existence." part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two his grey eyes. d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there just ask you whether you had heard it.' force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms "Imitated." "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I "Always." thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my populous neighbourhood." but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil time." yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should of the efforts of the United States government and of the better "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard