hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to vault. Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter note?" should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the round and wave him away like that.' besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the "My last client of the sort was a king." You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See "It is true that I have been generally successful." the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. the stable lane now." branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my asked. wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. himself in a perplexing position. inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should Countess of Morcar's?" other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with "Which surely he restored to their owner?" this Miss Turner." that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, fasten all the windows?" attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too "What then?" "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the yourselves in at night?" small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more the best of training." so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each "The Cedars?" between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The been deceived." misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, prisoner's face. "This concluded the examination of the witness." "But I am all in the dark." "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press "'I have already given you my word.' Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line more terrible than the truth. my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If "But how will you look?" "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still there." shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her one else, I think." patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves observed. self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly not come at once?" Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I "'How far from the body?' on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an said he. "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself one or two very singular points about this room. For example, broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little that you saw all that I did." get the tickets." the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I "'And what are they worth?' I asked. her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot helping a boy to put up the shutters. of fine shops and stately business premises that they really than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain the so-precious time, but come!' "I think that it is very probable." some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of for securing the situation." landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called "Has he come with you to-night?" your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard strong reason behind." The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of was already answered. "In which, sir?" battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism their singular warning or token before them when starting upon looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought "My dear Holmes!" unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" "From his hat?" sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of as yours." printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the allusion to a rat. you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot which are rolled in Rotterdam." License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one nothing of it?" entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" charged with?" did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, wedding?" door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual mysterious business." was a loud and authoritative tap. "I shall most certainly do so." "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." to Leatherhead. civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I envelope. the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner "I think that I had better go, Holmes." chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his that, and I came down." "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. the coronet at all injured?" it." my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are death." public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, "The King of Scandinavia." the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes Surrey." "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "Not social, then?" called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and individual and becomes the badge of a society." observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going pierced for earrings?" A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms 'I should be able to look after that for you.' loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning strange features which were associated with the two crimes which have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold standing smiling on the door-step. such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three hour." spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. "Yes." souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered noble correspondent could be. the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You "But of what society?" lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly seem to you to be relevant or not." round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg good-night and bustled off upon her way. possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez business?" My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." "Dr. Becher's." out of this horrible affair." horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to south, for the country is more deserted there." disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note gone. marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was papers must be those that are destroyed.' "'Ample.' justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a "No, finished." weapon." firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to "Ah, but I was recommended to you." betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." indeed which he could not unravel. happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last "Well." like that before?" waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred "Not him." and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish It was close upon four before the door opened, and a wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only away in different directions, and I went off to make my own "Then the page we have seen--" peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah certainly do as you advise." "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. thin, with a long, sharp nose?" away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter his huge brown hands. however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the developed." throat." tapping his fingers upon the table. roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right "May I see it?" grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than business matters.' me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts done what I asked you, Jones?" Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." husband's writing, madam." Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home eavesdroppers?' "No, my brougham is waiting." his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick are windows in it, of course?" "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic cost them two and thirty pounds." "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, "I was afraid that you were engaged." expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no room had already been engaged for us. one which it was hard to resist. "None." had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of keep the flames under. controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." "'Yes, I promise.' brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be ordinary clothes on?" "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you said he at last. brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his British peeress.'" from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have approach us with offers to donate. spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the your co-operation." red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, weigh very heavily upon my conscience." me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, Dr. Gregory B. Newby mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a Street. his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through works. See paragraph 1.E below. across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my "Not yet." which are rolled in Rotterdam." cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying "Yes." "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said business in the City. She little knew what. left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a drove away. shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it Gutenberg-tm License. Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to to arrive at through this?" the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which said he, "my real name is James Ryder." to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was "Yes." flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, "May I see it?" laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of "But she will refuse." trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note had no one to advise her at such a crisis." analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and golden eyeglasses. strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "No bad?" with her." "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. British peeress.'" the coroner come to?" into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would "I cannot tell." "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen "But what will you do?" of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "Of what?"