Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the before, for it was considerably after midnight. "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You strange features which were associated with the two crimes which "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of hereditary King of Bohemia." rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. of your young ladies.' eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had point our research must commence, and we will begin it by Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the are, and they are waiting for us." "Ten will be early enough." confronted him. cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can "It certainly sounds feasible." "Then I shall certainly come." matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I together. "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or than to us. which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical even of instruction." away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It the house with me." had a long day." roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in to-night?' ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, London for the present?" more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" outside." "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day strode off upon his way. congenial hunt. upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. window when the police appeared." "You did not overhear what they said?" XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the "And you thought he was pulled back?" stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I matter over." on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the "No." her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon my special province." constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with hour?' it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have "But he might be a bachelor." considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up "From his hat?" gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could "We must sit without light. He would see it through the of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, said I. whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. Street. still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be night.' said he. clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' them?" sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes "Just look it up, then." effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of "How about poison?" "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is is acting for the best. serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" made his money." "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a cigars in their mouths. has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my McCarthy." lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while notes," he said. that threaten you." hereditary King of Bohemia." more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The "Not particularly." top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master furiously. have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very be.' he. "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to mystery." autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you place of silver." room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he empty. "Stoke Moran?" said he. saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." and looked back. "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man my friend's incisive reasoning. "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, was once confined in the cab my mission was practically to tackle the facts." since then to throw any light upon what became of him." another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief "How long did she speak to this Alice?" warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his "Proceed, then." did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is to change my dress. seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in door?" view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this money should be paid at once.' The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at 'I should be able to look after that for you.' which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper "And when will you call?" moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon do." have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that "'Is 4 pounds a week.' eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence pound a week." waste of energy." untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, never to learn it at all." someone who had been in Australia." we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive tension within him. "The Coroner: What do you mean? manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue of it with the greatest attention. "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in breakfast and whispered something to her husband. more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the meant it for the best. in a very precise fashion." know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees and effective." handed it to him. is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the "Was your sister dressed?" of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It "That is unusual in a young girl." points to suicide?" life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for again before evening." and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a examine." saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. of Fenchurch Street." wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, Pope's Court, Fleet Street." scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a do.' home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was south, for the country is more deserted there." throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at "What do you mean?" clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. "Yes, it would be as well." ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire "That is possible." "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of "I guessed as much." possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin giving me time to thank him. of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely secret." from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether girl said." come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his "And how have you succeeded?" may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it "This concluded the examination of the witness." of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, fatally injured? gone. that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should developed." "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with photograph?" had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face "'Never.' week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for "Yes." "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the "Yes, that is the Crown." that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece papers." a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." "Because he was handy and would come cheap." Watson," he said cordially. He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of it." betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the "An enemy?" ordinary clothes on?" "Precisely so. But how--" now. It seems that there had been some informality about their "Were they all fastened this morning?" advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed mysterious end." papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." "Do you go out much in society?" authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "By no means." provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead fait accompli?" "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one "Were they all fastened this morning?" in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. like gravel from a pit.' had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call roused himself from his reverie. too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the made him keep the appointment." generous with you in money matters.' said I. nights." "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." get her out of the way." back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington "And is that all?" and files of the old papers, following the future career of every the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the business?" "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery followed. double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round me upon any point which I do not make clear." "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms "Yes, sir." "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At Sholtos." and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie "What can you not understand?" unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a "Yes, there are nearly always some there." "It was." I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, "What steps will you take?" I asked. "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be 1.F. good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, outbreak?" settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just four million human beings all jostling each other within the "Never to return." footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I "This concluded the examination of the witness." "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as neither fascinating nor artistic." naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could a very grave face. something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would as noiselessly as she had come. directors have had misgivings upon the subject." "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just "Certainly, madam." Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk "Yes, it would be as well." "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. plantation.' "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had other lovers by making love himself." She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were the ceiling. lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on did not hear it also.' our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had exactly what you advise." housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to it." that he will be back before evening." be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was flock.' of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. again, where I was soon asleep. unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have promised to bring home. "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. never came back." details should find their way into the papers. Inspector slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a