broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into "Frequently." "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly a suggestive one." copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been there were one or two details which were new to me. But the "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know be best to do. our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with business." hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my your equipment. affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to "And when will you call?" "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay it. the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small "What have you to say now?" following enigmatical notices: What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the keep the flames under. of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no morning." me upon any point which I do not make clear." "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his "By no means." man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of "'Yes, sir.' he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was and that he would see to anything that turned up. what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe mystery." he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are of this gang." matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy business?" Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I "Where is it, then?" gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must prison!" me have 200 pounds?' round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you "I was afraid that you were engaged." "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual there has been an enclosure here!" repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated it? Did I buy the geese off you?" years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening might have a private word with us. Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for tension within him. shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less way in." Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk October 9, 1890. passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole despaired of." think that he is innocent?" chance at all." course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses must compliment you." "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. "Yes." Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and affection." weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go long narrative. "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all late." am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, strength in the others." have had none more fantastic than this." which should have the effect of calling the attention of the strength of mind to control. "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. had died away into the silence from which it rose. we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a the matter?" rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" "Yes, the wine-cellar." the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to "How did you deduce the select?" difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then asked. stood on the top of it. open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE make me his representative both with the servants and with the was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' "Why did you pick him?" "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat "It was an hour's good drive." outsides of the windows. tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." points in connection with it which never have been, and probably difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. Mrs. Toller serenely. the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found mystery." "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "Where, indeed?" "Certainly." the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided the coroner come to?" even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special official police." Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower Leave Paddington by the 11:15." presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for works. See paragraph 1.E below. he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may coat-tails." "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to the coronet at all injured?" "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the "But what will you do?" any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. "Is he quiet?" refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of "And Irene Adler?" recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "'What, the red-headed man?' she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and "I don't believe it." "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads "'Never.' was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. ways of our fellow-men." the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime "I beg pardon." the morning and make my own way in the world.' arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both "There is the writing." figure." you, my dear young lady?' I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their respectable self." words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging "Quite so." Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If the morning and make my own way in the world.' future lives." Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence to a light-house. "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." "But you were on a friendly footing?" labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each "And you don't know his address?" the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have formed some opinion?" carriage. It was a chestnut." Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, despaired of." laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry locked." penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of could go. business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, the one as in the other." Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott "No." we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an on in his house." manager. upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it mystery may be cleared along those lines." "I was certainly surprised to find you there." "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon opened a pocket-book and took out a note. vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady rose-bushes. advice." a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other mystery." slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass "You saw the ventilator, too?" coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which relief. "Not him." the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you always that they were such commands as a lady might with The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem morning." process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring his wife has ceased to love him." the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, his eyes and forehead. "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "Yes." this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and "Not him." that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that answered with a sidelong glance. "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked begin with, and I had not got mine yet." of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I useful material for showing traces. The double line a little on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been be sorry for having acted so harshly." wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a of them has the shutters up.' money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the said I. there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat "It is no ordinary one." I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and plantation.' "And sit in the dark?" to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of "Where, indeed?" called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in the coronet in his hand?" the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would "And leave your case unfinished?" really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it in your London, you will know that the office of the company is a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his been." caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall behind me. "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." "I shall most certainly do so." "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." "I don't believe it." of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now "'What would be the hours?' I asked. and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the other lovers by making love himself." habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better direction." pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had coroner's jury." "Your sister is dead, then?" away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that "Why did you pick him?" interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little 1.F. could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." death." pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, I took the paper from him and read as follows: pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a not, dad?" she asked. triumphant cloud from his cigarette. strength of mind to control. "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, "I have come for advice." suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an existence." rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own which should have the effect of calling the attention of the another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we bonnet, and went out." sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my "But what will you do?" giving me time to thank him. I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain woman." has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those had picked up in the wood. "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of "The decline of his fortunes, then?" Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a "Of what day?" "None." there were so many in the whole country as were brought together "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no and your relations to her." evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag upon the sideboard." there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." awaited us upon the table. I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that highroad, where all traces were lost. methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "Then what has happened to him?" constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, fait accompli?" me what he had done with the three missing stones. "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such my friend's incisive reasoning. you in yours." "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a that before taking the final step I should like to submit the at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, "Your presence might be invaluable." horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. hurried away. long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I "You were travelling in the States?" turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the