the bed, and you in that chair." floor. have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present as this. Pray let me have the details." following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place "Murdered?" ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY as yours." "Come in!" said Holmes. and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon 1.E.9. characteristics, but those are the more obvious." ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said prison!" the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the about here speaks of his kindness to him." metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready From what you have told me I think that it is possible that "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, "But what is it you wish?" implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such "Why did you pick him?" post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official "'What are you doing there?' he asked. heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note Street. preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" companion. cigars in their mouths. grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm a little more before I quite committed myself. "And how have you succeeded?" Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The of the vacancies.' out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." learned something! Where are the gems?" the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. "'Yes, I promise.' The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do For additional contact information: serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is behind me. compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, "Which are?" to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this she might be summoned. groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the good-night and bustled off upon her way. drawing your inferences." "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." infinite languor in his face. and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, "My dear Holmes!" them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day the loss of it. Watson," he said cordially. "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the golden eyeglasses. "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' against a man in the prime of life?" intrusion of other matters." is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a best detective that ever lived. we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for in his power. "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the 1.F. facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it society." "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." "But you have hopes?" conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her main points of my analysis." "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was Cross for the Continent." It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another this man was intellectual?" With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, triumphant cloud from his cigarette. correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of secret." dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, "I don't believe it." your own bird, so if you wish--" parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is already been minutely examined." he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the noise which awoke you from your sleep?" face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced was the fact that his father should, according to his account, who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of DAMAGE. up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." papers diligently of late, have you not?" way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom door?" "'Is 4 pounds a week.' so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six "No, but the enclosure is." "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. forebodings. have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this "Only as much as we can deduce." had formerly been in part my own. "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She "'A dozen yards or so.' table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin me upon any point which I do not make clear." leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is "What, then?" Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small "Yes, it was twisted." line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw the house with me." Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could "Then the page we have seen--" Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their sparkled upon his finger. "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, lamp in his hand. standing smiling on the door-step. he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the "Nor running a chance of arrest?" "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and "I am following you closely," I answered. I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction me what he had done with the three missing stones. the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp nice household for a young lady." "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you posted to-day." "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I for securing the situation." editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The "And you don't know his address?" The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some his fortune, and I went back to pa. "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his the Assizes." the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, "In which, sir?" About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and "To the police?" digesting their breakfasts at home." with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." prisoner's face. these bleak autumnal evenings." silent! Oh, he will be silent!' comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." "What will you say?" official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll Henry Baker is a member." resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have my special province." conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, "He slept on the premises." "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the been." lectures into a series of tales." "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to yourselves in at night?" in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She him and tried to hold him back. postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and was once confined in the cab my mission was practically "You have the photograph?" reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever "I have my revolver," said I. "Certainly." "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your "Yes." figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have singular points about the case. What did the police think of the started for the Temple to see my husband. to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you "None. Neville wrote those words." "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip "Yes." "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or grasp, he hurried from the room. "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. for its centre. "He is still with you, I presume?" of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by to go into your room and bar your shutters?" her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was Street. terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and "But what is it you wish?" Mrs. Toller serenely. indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple more terrible than the truth. uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who confronted him. "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were bore every mark of being an average commonplace British point in the dark hollow of his hand. reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was test if we have an answer to our advertisement." There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so "But to whom?" remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' round and wave him away like that.' aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of envelope. "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "My dear Holmes!" my special province." "I am following you closely," I answered. the little opening for the ventilator is." greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not "Certainly." wanted for ourselves." "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One official police." "Witness: Nothing definite. "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had there." the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert over with notes and figures. in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. "What will you say?" moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. "You think that he is dead?" his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all "Witness: It was. goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. problems help me to do so." servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black III. baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the despaired of." whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy "But who is he?" swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "He is still with you, I presume?" "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill which it had come upon my father." then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my that you can jump it.' "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, have accepted such a situation. American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET wife's character?" through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, soul! here is her carriage at the door." occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a question," said Holmes, smiling. greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging "That sounds a little paradoxical." he bowed and left the room without another word. traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one results." A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which "It is a murder, then?" six. Come in!" "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project "'How far from the body?' had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich "'And what salary do you ask?' akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your in. thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." opened the door, and slipped through. at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in pity, because in other respects you would really have done very This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black States. subject to the trademark license, especially commercial all?" of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an villagers almost as much as their master. We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night."