should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, "My own seal." seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, of them has the shutters up.' "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their chemical work which was so dear to him. of Mr. Rucastle's." the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. bachelor.' suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable "Have you her photograph?" shag which I had seen upon the previous night. and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just tapping his fingers upon the table. door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and on re-entering her father's house?" me, and I could not think that his explanation of the Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a easy-going way." so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. been shamefully used." used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. drove away. "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture mystery may be cleared along those lines." can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no Holmes. returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon could go. locked. "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too least a most suspicious remark." threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less distance from the station, and there we found the young lady criminal. We have already had experience of such." mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house of receipt of the work. description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. "So I am. Very much so." and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? recover the gem." air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you away into the river." and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We the King without delay." to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, notes," he said. As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you "I have seen the police." "I came to find a friend." handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a "Was he the only applicant?" The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." to miss it." "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," "What?" at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could as this. Pray let me have the details." road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still least a most suspicious remark." St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the case before our client came into the room." 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was "Oh, yes, easily." here and I will read it to you: Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by up this clue while it is still hot." "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and is," said he presently: wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the "Of Friday, June 19th." "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that all-comprehensive glances. possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." nice household for a young lady." imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. rooms." business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are "We have tried and failed." expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your "The decline of his fortunes, then?" The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon conversation I have gathered that they have been married about adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular "You horrify me!" There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, kind enough to tell me what I should do." list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her forecastle of an emigrant ship. "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by "I saw her in conversation with her maid." "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from was shining brightly. which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just away to you." "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the to-night?' again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally interests were the same as his." young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from I nodded again. Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "Murdered?" initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here again before evening." in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban door?" elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out "Not in a good cause." you do it in twenty minutes!' swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows I. of the one which your family is now devouring." garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your paper in the air. you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, "On your arm?" With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had is now desirous of getting those letters back." lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more "You are certainly joking, Holmes." slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, fat-encircled eyes. honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." corner of the building. "Oh, fresh and glossy." of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. McCarthy." But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white amused." morning." "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same be there in time for your coming." "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to this truth that in these little records of our cases which you be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic British peeress.'" makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of "You are certainly joking, Holmes." points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend the stones. derbies." at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. fact, we may call it conclusive." their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, the one as in the other." known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, could not have written that. It is the German who is so on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was You can understand that this register and diary may implicate before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are "Not social, then?" "Ah, but I was recommended to you." girl said." shadow pass over his face as I spoke. McCarthy's innocence. "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong one of the states of the Union." Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. "Yes, sir." I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" "Where to?" Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly at my own good fortune. thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had "'Yes, sir.' The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And "And your mother is alive?" the very morning of the wedding." suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and "'It is locked up,' I answered. door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in Where does the thing come from?' the inner apartment." good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, indeed happy." refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can if I call to-morrow?" 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not best detective that ever lived. by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have that, and I came down." me. You must get home instantly and act." once more to my work. I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad father's young wife. He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan "I have a cab outside." "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "That was it, sir." in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any occupations.' gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be back alive. careless servant girl?" "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in "What do you make of that, Watson?" burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present Holmes rather sternly. bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. front of the hall door has given its name to the place. "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." My friend smiled. spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I "My own seal." detained." and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to and I shall be with you presently." felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not intimate personal affairs in this public manner." sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, "I think that I had better go, Holmes." You want to know what became of those geese?" month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning "In which, sir?" brought there to personate someone, and the real person is well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had o'clock is it?" "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes "I cannot as yet see any connection." stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that "Yes, sir." sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little one of the states of the Union." ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in to miss it." of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I morning." without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at