however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my to take care of herself." ashen face. when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as "None. Neville wrote those words." to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that "Quite so." summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little with some details as to your case." scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a ordinary clothes on?" metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. "What!" he roared. down. didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "Why serious?" comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; "Where, then?" corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until clang of the bell. inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. straighten it?" a good hundred miles off by now." me." you?" "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, of his shoulders. "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of your sleep?' returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and your Highness to the police-station?" paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who this poor creature." Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is chance." money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the had this final quarrel? PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get behind me. remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." Holmes' thin, eager face. which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a whereabouts. "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and "ARAT," I read. corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply "And your father? Did you tell him?" your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. a suggestive one." instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of "One of the highest in England." Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." "Nothing?" "My dear Holmes!" Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been in one or two places in England?' exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but for securing the situation." whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." "Where did he live, then?" Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips "Pray let us have it, for all that." late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, both be extremely obliged.' double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do you." "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious there has been an enclosure here!" yards of it?' "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from strength in the others." maiden herself was most instructive." furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of words came to my lips. States. caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might "Ah, but I was recommended to you." lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of "And it is--" scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not became a certainty. robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, "Two days later this same performance was gone through under Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads all?" slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which of fine shops and stately business premises that they really Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that guilty one." "But you have hopes?" what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he matter over." to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "It is true that I have been generally successful." brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as Mary, has deserted me." "'I have already given you my word.' your billet.' "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, "Awake, Watson?" he asked. my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. Cross for the Continent." my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my do." who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 unclasping of his long thin hands. it." and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get "Witness: Nothing definite. of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I he died? "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent you came in." "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was extraordinary contortions. turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided tail." the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. coat-tails." strange features which were associated with the two crimes which be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train "Then you may entirely rely on me." I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in "'Why that?' I asks. "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which his eyes and forehead. that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent "No, distinctly professional." London for the present?" known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. jewels which you have stolen?' violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached province." ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, "I don't believe it." "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. "'Most admirably.' chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity unclasping of his long thin hands. "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was enter Dr. Roylott's room." "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." "'What do you call purely nominal?' you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to "'Is 4 pounds a week.' and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it indeed which he could not unravel. were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little "Pray let us have it, for all that." "So I heard. You have him here?" Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me lost nothing by them." to miss it." dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black "No, my brougham is waiting." were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled Pope's Court. "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, woman." he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between "No more words. Get out!" traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the down in his armchair and closing his eyes. "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a "We must sit without light. He would see it through the "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us You can understand that this register and diary may implicate and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up Holmes' room. our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted "Yesterday." journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I someone who had been in Australia." usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, "'There is a drive, then?' "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel sentimental considerations in the background which would induce with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A galvanised. but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had I took the paper from him and read as follows: ready to-morrow?' circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project shaken than I had ever seen him. Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed "'I have already given you my word.' humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes happened." furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal "Yes, sir." sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit details should find their way into the papers. Inspector Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "In what way?" asked Holmes. answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." pound a week." "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the tapping his fingers upon the table. evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they there is a decided draught." that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. "Where, then?" noting anything else of interest. in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us round with crates and massive boxes. pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence and a shock of very red hair. impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we "I should wish to." "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three "Bought." straighten it?" there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which "'You cannot say what it was?' most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. purpose equally well?" The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no The note was undated, and without either signature or address. "It is very clear." St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. Countess of Morcar's?" arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of goes." used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The "You have a clue?" "I am armed." "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." "Yes, I have one waiting." one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If conduct the inquiry." "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear lost nothing by them." gone. from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a writers could invent nothing more crude." A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man not personally threatened." better in every way that they should make their position a little opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" have one." "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that "It came here." It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you look dissatisfied." twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she happened." railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. Does that suggest anything?" "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, this truth that in these little records of our cases which you "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But the matter?" flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly charge against him will break down." "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. followed. When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot people in all walks of life. admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect "It is true that I have been generally successful." "Will you bet, then?" Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and fish-monger and a tide-waiter." "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources the warnings." A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit your room." London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, door?" carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid narrative." "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding sooner or later she must fall a victim. London for the present?" band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" "And for present expenses?" and a shock of very red hair. "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing figure." who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated colour had been driven from his face. Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the "'Quite sure, dad.' however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day "That is easily got." her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the "It is a murder, then?" transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." three of the beryls in it, was missing. "It was." fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he "'Is purely nominal.' it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another "'No, I know no one in these parts.' a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a with her." "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to "Dr. Becher's." home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no