The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. introspective fashion. us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" call it cruel." have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, the matter." Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. "No, I am descending." come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my the salesman. States. "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in colour had been driven from his face. given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall "Not him." well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have cigars in the box." nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the pictures, libraries, or plate. We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the singular points about the case. What did the police think of the The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak chemical work which was so dear to him. hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, "I see no marks." sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the again on its way. "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose "But your client--" "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is will find little credit to be gained out of this case." "Yesterday." daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon lamp. "It was an hour's good drive." regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to "You are certainly joking, Holmes." For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the Again Holmes raved in the air. that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize "'Where to?' ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "'What would be the hours?' I asked. note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a it means?" your equipment. Doctor, of the paper and the date." exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase could not account in any way for the presence of the missing "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I that he has suffered." delighted to hear it," he said. in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding "'Tell me all about it,' said I. "'What then?' I asked. electronic works firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to never came back." Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in Countess of Morcar's?" if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, "Witness: Nothing definite. held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen "What! a murderous attack?" turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you voice. "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would public press." were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. leave you to your papers for a little." the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could her also." red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study "Upon what point?" "I think it very unlikely." the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, which our visitor detailed to us. a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't it." "Just look it up, then." the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the went to the Alpha were town bred." the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was once more on the important position which you have been fortunate opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" "Then I shall certainly come." and effective." can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's guilty one." also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, suddenly upon us." works. See paragraph 1.E below. "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a constraint." "Yes, only one." annoyance, but no jest. way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to man. for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, "Why did you beat the pavement?" "What is it, then--a fire?" since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a Stoke Moran." "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker was a perfect sample of the class. hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." "But how will you look?" Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over this man was intellectual?" that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot desk. into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this is entirely a question of barometric pressure." "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal "If so, much may have happened between." round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than "Eh? What was that?" Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET have been better. It is all right." "Witness: Nothing definite. passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the that threaten you." in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. with some details as to your case." his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I closely." Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, "No sign of it?" rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her "You heard nothing yourself last night?" remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, weigh very heavily upon my conscience." river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "Did you observe the colour?" 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it "Pray continue your narrative." clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, "Witness: Nothing definite. "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted "An enemy?" refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "My own seal." fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own several quiet little villages up there." part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black His smile broadened. As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and becomes even more simple." "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" is entirely a question of barometric pressure." yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way redistribution. of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." "Of what?" felt the room to be a little close.' everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever "What then?" over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll "You think that he is dead?" "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, breakfast." "Then I do not see the point." "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low in this way: pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which "Yes?" "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by "None." the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do This is what he says: first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our "I will do it." the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and him!" are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such "Yes." observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered "I see many objections to any such theory." that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project him, that man would not have given me such complete information heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." and effective." Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have McCarthy." the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham developed." "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to in the dead of the night?' quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, would then never go into court at all." coat-tails." tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such towards the blaze. papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking bird I ate is country bred." although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no gigantic client. that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at yourselves in at night?" "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite "Come in!" said Holmes. was shining brightly. young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you "I am sure." just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "Perhaps we may make them less so." nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange "The best possible." to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away "How did you deduce the select?" expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' placed his cuttings. wedding?" money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at only touch the interest." engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this nothing with him." our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I and it need not interfere very much with one's other the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by occurred." King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a of your young ladies.' "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had Project Gutenberg-tm works. to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was might help us?" "'You cannot say what it was?' Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood other means.' pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss "It goes to the housekeeper's room." clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of a room. and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. fat-encircled eyes. always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "My own seal." seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." individual and becomes the badge of a society." more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well."