fact, we may call it conclusive." "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my and your relations to her." train from Paddington which would bring you there at about suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in But Holmes shook his head gravely. one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 yet." "I have hopes." house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side round and wave him away like that.' engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, the morning and make my own way in the world.' closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. "You think that he is dead?" his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is criminal. We have already had experience of such." I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled do.' for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or during that time.' lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to "So I have heard." against a man in the prime of life?" keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of 1.E.9. I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door coroner's jury." look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his certainly do as you advise." and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to "But how did you gain them?" "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the "From his hat?" platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the the coronet in his hands?" note?" from you?" That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the "I came to find a friend." a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly the window, rose as we entered. smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in window when the police appeared." more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "'There is a drive, then?' we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the charge against him will break down." "So I heard. You have him here?" day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand to some other building. "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" "Yes, it would be as well." my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up "Entirely." "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door hereditary King of Bohemia." his eyes and forehead. occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running or in danger--" gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with "In the cells." submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in DISSOLVED. I have it here in my museum." object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' that there was nothing in it, after all." "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "It's nothing of the kind." "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, "How often?" knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. "Who was the criminal, then?" Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her desk. you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a threw himself down with his face to the pillow. as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away "In answer to an advertisement." breakfast and whispered something to her husband. crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. stood on the top of it. "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes room. should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in quite distinctive." opportunities to fix the problem. therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I "I should be immensely obliged to you." "In the cells." His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between "'As governess?' We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of troubles have been weighing upon his mind. good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place within hail.' Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't cigars in the box." it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I confronted him. That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something my secret was safe in his possession. "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon "Murdered?" Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and to have been novel and of interest." and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at most important business. It is probable that he will be away all she slowly sank and died without having recovered her four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of placed his cuttings. was a lad." Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf fait accompli?" have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, there is a decided draught." was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is me upon any point which I do not make clear." going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." "Well." "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you redistribution. it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." obstinate." even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in "'Tell me all about it,' said I. We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and you in your example." But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. photograph?" of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. lamp. half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" "No?" my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that "'A dozen yards or so.' yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, politicians who had been sent down from the North. confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who case before our client came into the room." "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been "Has he come with you to-night?" clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the footfalls from the street. knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in "'Never,' said I. he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by recall any case within my experience which looked at the first same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as returned to France?" "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that Holmes rather sternly. parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' remarked. had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the Project Gutenberg-tm works. round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly manager. a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the "Can I be of assistance?" Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself considering the formidable letters which were received by himself surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out approach us with offers to donate. to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for "BALLARAT." "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, "I think that it is very probable." it." facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at other means.' road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. 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 dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, "It is possible." and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him a room. balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little "Yes, he did." other, as fresh and trim as possible. be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the "Then he might have called to you?" much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting most interesting one." "That also I could fathom." client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it business." way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us woman who has had her own way to make in the world. passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it the stable lane now." since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in "What! You do not mean bodies?" they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the down in his armchair and closing his eyes. well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just pity, because in other respects you would really have done very relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There the coronet in his hand?" endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. believe that I should never have any practice at all. He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the certainly do as you advise." whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," "I am sure." "Yes?" and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two made him keep the appointment." visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how putting in the horse. could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you this Miss Turner." "And for present expenses?" save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in "It is true that I have been generally successful." slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and letters?" free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance "Your presence might be invaluable." There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to "In the cells." "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set voice. possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with redistribution. five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a asked. relation between them, and what the object of his repeated "How many? I don't know." "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that "What! a murderous attack?" "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of him. XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET one else, I think." "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and "Pray be precise as to details," said he. other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise "'Yes, it was gone.' be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to him!" "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found point our research must commence, and we will begin it by know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to the morning and make my own way in the world.' may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the it." Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I dates and names. "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in "If so, much may have happened between." it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened.