Story 11 of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Sir, Arthur
Conan Doyle. This LibriVox recording is in
the public domain. Story 11, the adventure of the
Beryl Coronet. Holmes said I as I stood one
morning in our bow-window, looking down the street here is
a Madman coming along. It seems rather sad that his
relatives should allow him to come out alone.
My friend Rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his
hands in the pockets of his dressing-gown looking over my
shoulder. It was a bright crisp February
morning and the snow of the day before.
Still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the
wintry sun, down the center of Baker Street.
It had been ploughed into a brown crumbly Band by the
traffic, but at either side and on the heaped-up, edges of the
footpaths, it still lay as white as when it fell.
The grey pavement have been cleaned and scraped but was
still dangerously slippery so that there were fewer passengers
unusual indeed. The direction of the
Metropolitan station. No one was coming saved.
A single gentleman, whose eccentric conduct had drawn?
My attention. He was a man of about fifty tall
portly and imposing with a massive strongly marked face and
a commanding figure. He was dressed in a sombre yet.
Rich style in Black frock-coat, shining hat neat, Brown gaiters
and well-cut pearl-grey trousers.
Yet. His actions were in absurd
contrast to the Dignity of his dress and features for he was
running hard with occasional little Springs, such as weary
man, gives, who is little accustomed?
To set any tax upon his legs. As he ran.
He jerked his hands up and down, waggled, his head and rise to
his face into the most extraordinary contortions.
What on Earth can be the matter with him.
I asked he's looking up at the numbers of the houses.
I believe that he's coming here said Holmes, rubbing his hands
here. Yes.
I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally.
I think that I recognize the symptoms.
Did I not tell you as he spoke the man puffing and blowing
rushed at our door and pulled it out Bail until the whole house
resounded with the clanging. A few moments later.
He was in our room, still puffing still gesticulating.
Was so fixed a look of grief and despair in his eyes that our
smiles were turned in an instant to horror and pity for a while.
He could not get his words out but swayed his body and plucked
at his hair. Like one who has been driven to
the extreme limits of his reason then suddenly springing to his
feet. He beat his head against the
wall with such force that we both rushed upon him and tore
him away to the Centre of the room.
Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and sitting
beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy
soothing tones, which he knew so.
Well how to employ You have come to me to tell your story.
Have you not said he, you are fatigued with your haste.
Pray wait until you have recovered yourself.
And then I shall be most happy to look into any little problem,
which you may submit to me. The man sat for a minute or more
with a heaving chest fighting against his emotion, and he
passed his handkerchief over his brow, set his lips tight and
turned his face towards us. No doubt, you think, Me.
Mad said he I see that you've had some great trouble responded
homes. God knows I have a trouble which
is enough to unseat my reason so sudden and so terrible.
Is it Public Disgrace? I might have faced.
Although I'm a man whose character has never yet.
Borne. A stain.
Private Affliction. Also is the lot of every man,
but the two coming together and in, so frightful a form.
Have been enough to shake my very soul.
Soul besides it is not, I alone the very noblest in the land may
suffer unless some way be found out of this horrible affair,
Pray, you compose yourself sir, said, Holmes and let me have a
clear account of who you are. And what it is that has befallen
you. My name, answered our visitor,
is probably familiar to your ears.
I'm Alexander holder of the banking firm of Holder &
Stevenson of threadneedle Street.
The name was indeed. Well known to us as belonging to
the senior partner in the second largest private banking concern
in the city of London. What could have happened then to
bring one of the foremost citizens of London to this most
pitiable pass. We waited all curiosity until
with another effort. He braced himself to tell his
story. I feel that time is of value.
Said he? That is why I hastened here.
When the Police Inspector. Suggested that I should secure
your cooperation. I came to Baker Street by the
underground and hurried from there on foot, for the Cab's, go
slowly through the snow. That is why I was so out of
breath for, I'm a man who takes very little exercise.
I feel better now and I will put the facts before you as shortly
and yet as clearly as I can. It is, of course, well, known to
you that in a successful banking business.
As much depends upon our being able to find remunerative
Investments for our funds, as Upon Our, increasing our
connection. And the number of our
depositors, one of our most lucrative means of laying out,
money is in the shape of loans. Where the security is
unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this
direction during the last few years and there are many noble
families to whom we have advanced large sums upon the
security of their pictures libraries or plate yesterday
morning. I was seated in my office at the
bank when a card was brought in to me by one of the clerks.
I started when I saw the name for it, was that of none other
than well. Perhaps even to you.
I had better say no. More than that, it was a name,
which is a household word all over the Earth.
One of the highest noblest most exalted names in England.
I was overwhelmed by the honour and attempted when he entered to
say, so. But he plunged at once into
business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry quickly
through a disagreeable task. Mr. Holder said he I have been
informed that you are in the habit of advancing money.
The Firm does. So when the security is good, I
answered it is absolutely essential to me said he that I
should have 50,000 pounds at once.
I could, of course, borrow so trifling a sum 10 times over
from my friends, but I much prefer to make it a matter of
business and to carry out that business myself.
In my position. You can readily understand that
it is unwise to place oneself under obligations.
For how long may I ask? Do you want this?
Um, I asked next Monday. I have a large sum due to me and
I shall then most certainly repay what you advance with
whatever interest you think it right to charge, but it is very
essential to me that the money should be paid at once.
I shall be happy to advance it without further parley from my
own private. Purse said I were it not that
the strain would be rather more than it could bear.
If, on the other hand, I am to do it in the name of the firm,
then in Justice to my partner. I must insist that even in your
case, every businesslike, precaution should be taken.
I should prefer to have it so said he raising up a square
black Morocco case, which he had laid beside his chair.
You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet.
One of the most precious public, possessions of the Empire said,
I precisely. He opened the case and there
imbedded in soft. Flesh-coloured velvet lay the
Magnificent piece of jewelry, which he had named.
There are 39, enormous, barrels said, he and the price of the
gold chasing is incalculable. The lowest estimate would put
the worth of the Coronet at Double?
The sum, which I have asked. I'm prepared to leave it with
you as my security. I took the precious case into my
hands and looked in some perplexity from it to my
illustrious client. You doubt its value.
He asked not at all. I only doubt the propriety of my
leaving it. You may set your mind at rest
about that. I should not dream of doing so
were it not absolutely certain that I should be able in four
days to reclaim? It.
It is a pure matter of form is the security sufficient ample.
You understand? Mr. Holder, that I am giving you
a strong proof of the confidence that I have in.
You founded upon all that. I've heard of you.
I rely upon you. Not only to be discreet and to
refrain from all gossip upon the matter.
But above all to preserve, this Coronet with every possible
precaution because I need not say that a great public Scandal
would be caused if any harm were to befall it.
Any injury to it. Would be almost as serious.
As it's complete loss for there are no beryl's in the world to
match these, and it would be impossible to replace them.
I'll leave it with you. However, with every confidence
and I shall call for it in person on Monday morning.
Seeing that my client was anxious to leave.
I said no more but calling for my cashier.
I ordered him to pay over 51,000 pound notes when I was alone,
once more. However, with the precious case
lying upon the table in front of me, I could not but think with
some misgivings of the immense responsibility, which it
entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that as
it was a national possession. A horrible Scandal would ensue,
if any Misfortune should occur to it.
I already regretted having ever consented to take charge of it.
However, it was too late to alter the matter now, so I
locked it up in my private safe and turned once more to my work.
When evening came, I felt that it would be an imprudence to
leave. So precious a thing in the
office behind me, Bankers safes have been forced before now and
why should not mine? Be if.
So how terrible would be the position in which I should find
myself. I determined.
Therefore, that for the next few days.
I would always carry the case backward and forward with me so
that it might never be really out of my reach.
With this intention. I called a cab and drove out to
my house at streatham carrying the jewel.
With me. I did not breathe freely until I
had taken it upstairs and locked it in the Bureau of my
dressing-room. And now word is to my household.
Mr. Holmes for I wish you to thoroughly understand the
situation, my groom, and my page sleep out of the house and may
be set aside all together. I have three maidservants who
have been with me a number of years and whose absolute
reliability is quite above suspicion.
Another Lucy Parr. The second waiting-maid has only
been in my service a few months. Came with an excellent
character. However, has always given me
satisfaction. She's a very pretty girl and has
attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the
place. That is the only drawback which
we have found to her. But we believe her to be a
thoroughly good girl in every way.
So much for the servants. My family itself is so small
that it will not take me long to describe it.
I am a widower and have an only son Arthur.
He has been a disappointment to me.
Mr. Holmes, a grievous disappointment.
I have no doubt that I am myself to blame people.
Tell me that I have spoiled him, very likely I have.
When my dear wife died. I felt that he was all I had to
love. I could not bear to see the
smile fade even for a moment from his face.
I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it would have been
better for both of us. Had.
I been Sterner, but I meant it for the best.
It was naturally my Mention that he should succeed me in my
business, but he was not of a business turn.
He was wild Wayward, and to speak the truth.
I could not trust him in the handling of large sums of money.
When he was young. He became a member of an
aristocratic club and they're having Charmed manners.
He was soon. The intimate of a number of men
with long purses and expensive habits.
He learned to play heavily at cards and to squander money on
the turf. Erf until he had again and
again, to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon
his allowance, that he might settle his debts of Honor.
He tried more than once to break away from the dangerous company,
which he was keeping. But each time the influence of
his friend, Sir George burnwell was enough to draw him back
again. And indeed I could not wonder
that such a man as Sir, George burnwell should gain an
influence over him. For, he has frequently brought
him to my house and I have found myself that I could hardly
resist, the fascination of his manner.
He is older than Arthur a man of the world to his fingertips.
One, who had been everywhere, seen everything a brilliant
talker and a man of great personal Beauty yet when I think
of him in Cold Blood far away from the glamour of his
presence. I am convinced from his cynical.
Speech. And the look, which I have
caught in his eyes, that he is one.
Who should be deeply distrusted. So I think and so to thinks my
little Mary who has a woman's quick insight into character.
And now there is only she to be described.
She is my niece, but when my brother died five years ago, and
left her alone in the world. I adopted her and have looked
upon her ever since, as my daughter.
She is a Sunbeam in thy house, sweet loving, beautiful.
A wonderful manager and housekeeper yet as tender and
quiet and gentle as a woman could be, she is my right hand.
I do not know what I could do without her.
You know, only one matter. Has she ever gone against my
wishes twice? My boy has asked her to marry
him for. He loves her devotedly.
But each time she has refused him.
I think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right
path, it would have been she and that is marriage.
Might have changed his whole life, but now alas it is too
late forever. Too late now.
Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof and I
shall continue with my miserable story.
When we were taking coffee in the drawing room that night
after dinner. I told Arthur.
And Mary, my experience, and of the precious treasure, which we
had under our roof suppressing only the name of my client Lucy,
Parr who had brought in the coffee had.
I am sure left the room, but I cannot swear that the door was
closed. Mary and the author were much
interested and wished to see the famous Coronet, but I thought it
better not to disturb it. Where have you put it?
Asked Arthur in my own Bureau? Well, I hope to goodness the
house won't be burgled during the night said.
He it is locked up. I answered.
Oh, any old key will fit that Bureau?
When I was a Youngster. I have opened it.
Myself with the key of the box-room, cupboard.
He often had a wild way of talking so that I thought little
of what he said. He followed me to my room.
However, that night with a very grave face.
Look here. Dad said he with his eyes cast
down. Can you let me have 200 pounds?
No, I cannot, I answered sharply.
I have been far too generous with you in Money Matters.
You have been very kind said he but I must have this money or
else I can never show my face inside the club again.
And a very good thing to I cried.
Yes, but you would not have me leave it.
A dishonoured man said he, I could not bear the disgrace.
I must raise the money in some way, and if you are not, let me
have it, then I must try. Other means.
I was very angry for this was the third demand during the
month. You shall not have a farthing
from me. I cried on which he bowed and
left the room without another word.
When he was gone, I unlocked my Bureau made sure that my
treasure was safe and locked it again.
Then I started to go round the house to see that all was
Secure, our duty which I usually leave to marry.
But which I thought it well to perform myself that night as I
came down the stairs. I saw Mary herself at the side
window of the hall which she closed and fastened as I
approached. Tell me, dad said she looking, I
thought a little Disturbed. Did you give Lucy the made
leaves to go out tonight? Certainly not, she came in just
now by the back door. I have no doubt that she was
only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that it
is hardly safe and should be stopped.
You must speak to her in the morning or I will if you prefer
it, are you sure that everything is fastened?
Quite sure dad, then. Good night.
I kissed her and went up to my bedroom again where I was soon
asleep. I am endeavoring to tell you
everything. Mr. Holmes, which may have any
bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question me upon
any point which I do not make clear on the contrary.
Your statement is singularly Lucid.
I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be
particularly. So I'm not a very heavy sleeper
and the anxiety in my mind. Tended.
No doubt to make me even less. So than usual.
About 2:00 in the morning. Then I was awakened by some
sound in the house. It had ceased ere, I was wide
awake, but it had left an impression behind it as though a
window had gently closed somewhere.
I lay listening with all my ears suddenly to my horror.
There was a distinct sound of footsteps moving, softly in the
Next Room. I slipped out of bed all
palpitating with fear and peeped round the corner of my
dressing-room. Door.
Author. I screamed.
You. Villain you Thief.
How dare you touch that Coronet? The gas was half up as I left
it. And my unhappy boy dressed, only
in his shirt and trousers was standing beside the light
holding the Coronet in his hands.
He appeared to be wrenching at it or bending it with all his
strength that My Cry. He dropped it from his grasp and
turned as pale as death. I snatched it up and examined
it. One of the gold Corners with
three of the beryl's in, it was missing, you blackguard.
I shouted beside myself with rage.
You have destroyed it. You have dishonoured, me
forever. Where are the jewels?
Which you have stolen stolen? He cried.
Yes, Thief. I roared shaking him by the
shoulder. There are none missing that
cannot be any missing said he there are three missing and you
know where they are, must I call you a liar as well, as a thief.
Did I not? See you trying to tear off
another piece? You've called me names.
Enough said he, I will not stand it any longer.
I shall not say another word about the business since you've
chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in the
morning and make my own way in the world.
You shall leave it in the hands of the police.
I cried half-mad with grief and rage.
I shall have this matter, probed to the bottom.
You shall learn nothing from me. Said he with a passion such as I
should not have thought it was in his nature.
If you choose to call the police, let the police find what
they can. By this time, the whole house
was astir for, I had raised my voice in my anger.
Mary was the first to rush into my room.
And at the sight of the Coronet and of Arthur's face.
She read the whole story and with a scream, fell down,
senseless on the ground. I sent the housemaid for the
police and put the investigation into their hands at once.
When the inspector and a constable entered, the house
Arthur who had stood sullenly with his arms folded asked me,
whether it was my intention to charge him with theft.
I answered that. It had ceased To Be A Private
Matter, but had become a public one.
Since the ruined Coronet was National Property.
I was determined that the law should have its way in
everything. At least said he you will not
have me arrested at once. It would be to your advantage as
well as mine. If I might leave the house for
five minutes that you might get away, or perhaps that you may
conceal. What you have stolen said, Hi,
and then realising the Dreadful position in which I was placed.
I implored him to remember that, not only my honour, but that of
one who was far greater than I was at stake and that he
threatened to raise a Scandal, which would convulse the nation.
He might avert it all if he would, but tell me what he had
done with the three, missing stones.
You may as well face. The matter said, I, you have
been caught in the act and no confession could make your guilt
more heinous. If you would make such
reparation as is in your power, by telling us where the barrels
are all shall be forgiven and forgotten.
Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it.
He answered turning away from me with a sneer.
I saw that. He was too hardened for any
words of mine to influence him. There was, but one way for it.
I called in the inspector and gave him into custody.
A search was made at once not only of his person but of his
room and of every portion of the house where he could possibly
have concealed the gems but no trace of them could be found nor
would The Wretched boy, open his mouth for all our Persuasions
and our threats. This morning.
He was removed to a cell and I after going through all the
police formalities have hurried round to you to implore you to
use your skill in. Unraveling the matter.
The police have openly confessed that they cannot present make
nothing of it. You may go to any expense, which
you think necessary. I've already offered a reward of
1,000 pounds? My God, what should I do?
I have lost my honour. My gems and my son in one night.
Oh, what shall I do? He put a hand on either side of
his head and rocked himself to, and fro droning to himself, like
a child. Whose grief has got beyond
words, Sherlock Holmes, sat silent for some few minutes with
his brows knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire.
Do you receive much company? He asked None.
Save my partner with his family. And an occasional friend of
Arthur's Sir. George burnwell has been several
times lately. No one else I think.
Do you go out much in society, Arthur does Mary?
And I stay at home. We neither of us care for it.
That is unusual in a young girl. She is of a quiet nature.
Besides, she is not, so very young.
She is Four and Twenty. This matter from what you say
seems to have been a shock to her all so terrible.
She is even more affected than I You have neither of you any
doubt as to your son's guilt. How can we have, when I saw him
with my own eyes with the Coronet in his hands.
I hardly consider that a conclusive proof was a remainder
of the Coronet at all injured. Yes.
It was twisted. Do you not think then that he
might have been trying to straighten it?
God bless you. You are doing what you can for
him and for me. But it is too heavy a task.
What was he doing there at all? If his purpose were innocent.
Why did he not say so, Precisely.
And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie, his silence
appears to me to cut both ways. There are several singular
points about the case. What did the police think of the
noise? Which awoke you from your sleep?
They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's.
Closing his bedroom door. I'll likely story, as if a man
bent on felony would slam his door.
So, as to wake a household, what did they say?
Then of The Disappearance of those gems, they are still
sounding the planking and probing the furniture in the
hope of finding them. Have they thought of looking
outside the house? Yes, they have shown
extraordinary energy. The whole garden has already
been minutely examined. Now, my dear sir said Holmes, is
it not obvious to you now that this matter really strikes?
Very much deeper than either you or the police were at first
inclined to think it appeared to you to be a simple case.
To me. It seems exceedingly complex,
consider, what is involved by your theory?
You suppose that your son came down from his bed, went at Great
risk to your dressing-room opened your Bureau.
Took out your Coronet broke off by main force, a small portion
of it went off to some other place, concealed Three Gems out
of the thirty-nine with such skill that nobody can find them.
And then returned with the other thirty-six into the room in
which he exposed himself to the greatest danger of being
discovered. I ask you now is such a theory,
tenable. But what other is there cried
the banker with a gesture of despair?
If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain them?
It is our task to find that out replied homes.
So now if you please. Mr. Holder, we will set off for
streatham together and devote an hour to glancing a little more
closely into details. My friend insisted upon my
accompanying them in their expedition, which I was eager
enough to do for my curiosity and sympathy were deeply stirred
by the story to which we had listened.
I confess that the guilt of the bankers son appeared to me to be
as obvious as it did to his unhappy father.
But still I had such faith in Holmes has judgment that.
I felt that there must be some Grounds for Hope as long as he
was dissatisfied with the accepted explanation.
He hardly spoke a word, the whole way out to the southern
suburb that sat with his chin, upon his breast and his hat
drawn, over his eyes. Sunk in the deepest thought our
client appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little
glimpse of Hope which had been presented to him and he even
broke into a desultory chat with me over his business Affairs, a
short Railway journey. And a shorter walk brought us to
Fairbank the modest residence of the Great financier.
Fairbank was a good-sized square House of white stone.
Standing back. A little from the road.
A double carriage Sweep with a snow-clad lawn stretched down in
front two large iron gates, which closed the entrance on the
right side, was a small wooden Thicket which led into a narrow
path between two neat. Hedges stretching from the road
to the kitchen door and forming the tradesmen's entrance.
On the left, ran a lane, which led to the stables and was not
itself within the grounds at all.
Being a public though, little used thoroughfare homes, left
her standing at the door and walked slowly all round the
house across the front down the tradesmen's path.
And so round by the garden behind into the Stable Lane.
So long, was he, that mr. Holder and I went into the
dining-room and waited by the fire until he should return.
We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and a young
lady came in. She was rather above the middle
height, slim with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker
against the absolute pallor of her skin.
I do not think that I've ever seen such deadly paleness in a
woman's face. Her lips too were bloodless, but
her eyes were flushed with crying.
Lying as she swept silently into the room.
She impressed me with a greater sense of grief than the banker
had done in the morning. And it was the more striking in
her as she was evidently a woman of strong character with immense
capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding my presence.
She went straight to her uncle and passed her hand over his
head with a sweet. Womanly caress.
You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated.
Have you not dead? She asked.
No, no. My girl.
The matter must be probed to the bottom.
But I'm sure that he's innocent, you know, what woman's instincts
are? I know that he has done no harm
and that you'll be sorry for having acted.
So harshly. Why is he silent?
Then if he is innocent, who knows perhaps because he was so
angry that you should suspect him.
How could I help suspecting him when I actually saw him with the
Coronet in his hand. Oh, but he had only picked it up
to look at it. Oh, do do take my word for it,
that he's innocent. Let the matter drop and say no
more. It is so Dreadful to think of
our dear Arthur in prison. I shall never let it drop until
the gems of found. Never marry your affection for
Arthur blinds. You as to the awful consequences
to me. Far from hushing, the thing up.
I have brought a gentleman down from London to inquire more
deeply into it. This gentleman.
She asked facing round to me. No, his friend.
He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in the stable Lane.
Now the Stable Lane she raised her dark eyebrows.
What can he hope to find there? Ah, this I suppose is he I trust
sir that you will succeed in proving.
What I feel sure is the truth that my cousin Arthur is
innocent of this crime. I fully share your opinion and I
trust with you that we may prove.
It returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the snow
from his Use, I believe I have the honor of addressing Miss
Mary holder. Might I ask you a question or
two pray do sir. If it may help to clear this
horrible Affair up. You heard nothing yourself.
Last night. Nothing until my uncle here
began to speak loudly. I heard that and I came down,
you shut up the windows and doors the night before.
Did you fasten all the windows? Yes, were they all fastened this
morning? Yes, you have a maid who has a
sweetheart. I think that you remark, to your
uncle last night that she had been out to see him.
Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room and
who may have heard uncle's remarks about the Coronet.
I see you infer that she may have gone out to tell her
sweetheart and that the two may have planned the robbery.
But what is the good of all these vague theories.
Cried, the banker impatiently. When I have told you that I saw
Arthur with the Coronet in his hands, wait, a little mr.
Holder. We must come back to that about
this girl Miss holder. You saw her return by the
kitchen door. I presume.
Yes, when I went to see, if the door was fastened for the night.
I met her slipping in. I saw the man to in the Gloom.
Do you know him? Oh, yes.
He is the greengrocer. Who brings our vegetables round.
His name is Francis Prosper. He stood said Holmes to the left
of the door that is to say, farther up The Path and is
necessary to reach the door. Yes.
He did. And he is a man with a wooden
leg, something like, fear sprang up in the young lady's
expressive black eyes. Why you are like a magician said
she how do you know that she smiled?
But there was no answering smile in homes thin eager face.
I should be very glad now to go upstairs.
Said he I shall probably wish to go over the outside of the house
again, perhaps I'd better take a look at the lower windows before
I go up. He walked swiftly round from one
to the other pausing. Only at the large one, which
looked from the hall onto the Stable Lane this, he opened and
made a very careful examination of the sill with his powerful
magnifying lens. Now.
We should go upstairs, said he at last the bankers,
dressing-room was a plainly furnished, little chamber with a
grey carpet, a large Bureau, and a long mirror Holmes went to the
bureau first and looked hard at the Lock.
Which key was used to open it. He asked that which my son
himself, indicated that of the cupboard of the lumber-room.
Have you? It here that is it on the
dressing-table? Sherlock Holmes.
Took it up and opened the bureau.
It is a noiseless Locke said he. It is no wonder that.
It did not wake you. This case.
I presume contains the Coronet. We must have a look at it.
He opened the case and taking out the diadem.
He laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of
the jeweller's art and the thirty-six Stones were the
finest that I've ever seen. At one side of the Coronet was a
cracked Edge where a corner holding Three Gems have been
torn away. Now, mr.
Holder said, Holmes, here is a corner which corresponds to
that, which has been so, unfortunately, lost might I beg
that you will break it off. The banker recoiled in horror.
I should not dream of trying said, he then I will homes
suddenly bent his strength upon it but without result I feel it.
Give a little said he but though I am exceptionally strong in the
fingers. It would take me all my time to
break it an ordinary man, could not do it.
Now. What do you think, would happen?
If I did break it? Mr. Holder.
There would be a noise like a pistol.
Two shot. Do you tell me that all this
happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard
nothing of it? I do not know what to think.
It is all dark to me, but perhaps it may grow lighter as
we go. What do you think Miss holder?
I confess that I still share. My uncle's perplexity.
Your son had no shoes or slippers on.
When you saw him. He had nothing on Save only his
trousers and shirt. Thank you.
We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary luck during
this inquiry and it will be entirely our own fault.
If we do not succeed in clearing the matter up with your
permission. Mr. Holder.
I shall now. Continue my investigations
outside. He went alone at his own request
for he explained that any unnecessary footmarks, might
make his task more difficult for an hour or more.
He was at work returning at last, with his feet heavy with
snow and his features as inscrutable as ever.
I think that I've seen now, all that there is to see mr.
Holder said he I can serve you best by returning to my rooms.
But the gems. Mr. Holmes, where are they?
I cannot tell the banker wrung his hands.
I shall never see them again. He cried and my son.
You give me hopes. My opinion is no way altered.
Then for God's sake. What was this dark business?
Which was acted in my house last night.
If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms tomorrow
morning between nine and ten. I shall be happy to do what I
can to make it clearer. I understand that you give me
carte blanche to act for you. Provided only that I get back
the gems and that you place. No limit on the sum.
I'm a draw. I would give my fortune to have
them back. Very good.
I shall look into the matter between this and then goodbye.
It is just possible that I may have to come over here again
before evening. It was obvious to me, that my
companions mind was now made up about the case.
Although, what his conclusions were was more than I could, even
dimly imagine several times during our Homeward journey.
I endeavored to sound him upon the point, but he always glided
away to some other topic until at last, I gave it over in
despair. It was not yet three when we
found ourselves in our rooms, once more.
He hurried to his chamber and was down again in a few minutes
dressed as a Loafer with his collar turned up, his shiny
seedy coat. His red cravat and his worn
boots. He was a perfect sample of the
class. I think that this should do said
he glancing into the glass above the fireplace.
I only wish you could come with me Watson, but I fear that it
won't do. I may be on the trail in this
matter or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp but I shall
soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a
few hours. He cut a slice of beef from The
Joint upon the sideboard sandwiched.
It between two rounds of bread and thrusting, his rude meal
into his pocket. He started off upon his
expedition. I had just finished my tea when
he returned evidently in excellent Spirits swinging an
old elastic-sided boot in his hand.
He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a cup of
tea. I only looked in as I passed
said he, I am going right on where 2002 the other side of the
West End. It may be some time before I get
back. Don't wait up for me in case I
should be late. How are you getting on?
Oh, so so nothing to complain of.
I've been out to streatham since I saw you last but I did not
call it the house. It is a very sweet little
problem and I would not have missed it for a good deal.
However, I must not sick gossiping here, but must get
these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly
respectable self. I could see by his manner that
he had strong reasons for satisfaction than his words
alone, would imply his eyes twinkled.
And there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks.
He hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later.
I heard the slam of the hall door, which told me that he was
off once more upon his congenial hunt.
I waited until midnight but there was no sign of his return.
So I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him
to be away for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a
scent. So that his lateness caused me.
No surprise. I do not know what hour he came
in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there,
he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the
other as fresh and trim as possible.
You will excuse my beginning without you.
Watson said he? But you remember that our client
has rather an early appointment this morning.
Why it is after 9. Now.
I answered, I should not be surprised if that were he.
I thought I heard a ring. It was indeed our friend, the
financier. I was shocked by the change,
which had come over him for his face, which was naturally of a
broad and massive mould was now pinched and fallen in while his
hair seemed to me, at least a shade whiter.
He entered with a weariness and lethargy, which was even more
painful than his violence of the morning before and he dropped
heavily into the armchair, which I pushed forward for him.
I do not know what I've done to be.
So severely tried said he only two days ago.
I was a happy and prosperous Man without a care in the world.
Now. I am left to a lonely and
dishonoured age. One sorrow comes close upon the
heels of another. My niece Mary has deserted me.
Deserted you. Yes, her bed.
This morning had not been slept in her room was empty and a note
for me. Lay upon the hall table.
I had said to her last night in sorrow, and not in Anger that if
she had married, my boy all might have been well with him.
Perhaps it was thoughtless of me to say, so it is to that remark
that she refers in this note. My dearest, Uncle, I feel that I
have brought trouble upon you. And that if I had acted
differently, this terrible misfortune might never have
occurred. I cannot with this thought in my
mind ever, again, be happy under your roof, and I feel that I
must leave you forever. Do not worry about my future for
that is provided for, and above all, do not search for me.
For it will be fruitless Labour and an ill service to me.
In Life or in death? I am ever your loving Mary.
What could she mean by that note?
Mr. Holmes? Do you think it points to
suicide? No, no, nothing of the kind.
It is perhaps the best possible solution.
I trust, mr. Holder, that you are nearing the
end of your troubles, huh? If you say so you have heard
something. Mr. Holmes, you have learned
something. Where are the gems, you would
not think 1000 pound of peace and excessive some for them.
I would pay 10, that would be unnecessary, the Thousand will
cover the matter. And there is a little reward.
I fancy have you your checkbook. Here is a pen better, make it
out for four thousand pounds with a dazed face.
The banker made out. The required check Holmes walked
over to his desk. Took out a little triangular
piece of gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the
table. With a shriek of Joy.
Our client. Clutched it up.
You have it. He gasped.
I am saved. I am saved.
The reaction of Joy was, as passionate as his grief had
been, and he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom.
There is one other thing you owe.
Mr. Holder said, Sherlock Holmes, rather sternly.
Oh, he caught up a pen name. The some and I will pay it.
Now. The debt is not to me.
You owe a very humble apology to that Noble lad, your son, who
has carried himself in this matter, as I should be proud to
see my own son. Do I have a chance to have one
then it was not Arthur who took them.
I told you yesterday and I repeat today that it was not,
you are sure of it. Then let us hurry to him.
At once to let him know that the truth is known.
He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up.
I had an interview with him and finding that, he would not tell
me the story. I told it to him on, which he
had to confess that I was right, and to add the very few details.
Tails, which were not yet quite clear to me your news of this
morning. However, may open his lips For
Heaven's Sake. Tell me then.
What is this extraordinary mystery?
I will do so and I will show you the steps by which I reached it.
And let me say to you first that which it is hardest for me to
say. And for you to hear, there has
been an understanding between Sir George burnwell and your
niece. Mary.
They have now fled together, my Mary impossible.
It is unfortunately, more than possible.
It is certain neither you nor your son knew the true character
of this man. When you admitted him into your
family Circle, he is one of the most dangerous men in England, a
ruined Gambler. An absolutely desperate villain,
a man without heart or conscience.
Your niece knew nothing of such men when he breathed his vows to
her, as he had done to her hundred before her, she
flattered herself that she alone had touched his heart.
The Devil Knows Best what he said, but at least she became
his tool and was in the habit of seeing him nearly every evening.
I cannot and I will not believe it.
Cried the banker with an ashen face.
I will tell you then what occurred in your house last
night. You're nice when you had as she
thought gone to your room slipped down and talk to her
lover, through the window, which leads into the Stable Lane.
His footmarks had pressed right through the snow.
So long had, he stood there. She told him of the Coronet, his
Wicked lust for gold kindled at the news and he bent her, to his
will. I have no doubt that she loved
you, but there are women in whom the love of a lover,
extinguishes, all other loves and I think that she must have
been one. She had hardly listened to his
instructions when she saw you coming downstairs on which she
closed the window rapidly and told you about one of the
servants Escapade with her wooden-legged.
Good lover which was all perfectly true.
Your boy Arthur went to bed after his interview with you,
but he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his Club
debts, in the middle of the night.
He heard a soft tread pass his door.
So he rose and looking out was surprised to see his cousin
walking, very stealthily along the passage until she
disappeared into your dressing-room petrified with
astonishment the lad slipped on some clothes and waited there in
the dark. To see what would come of this
strange affair. Presently.
She emerged from the room again. And in the light of the passage
lamp, your son saw that she carried the precious Coronet in
her hands. She passed down the stairs and
he thrilling with horror ran along and slipped behind the
curtain near your door. Whence he could see what passed
in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily opened the
window hand out the Coronet to someone in the gloom and then
closing it once more. Hurry back to her room pass.
Quite close to where he stood, hid behind the curtain.
As long as she was on the scene. He could not take any action
without a horrible, exposure of the woman whom he loved.
But the instant that she was gone.
He realised, how crushing a misfortune?
This would be for you and how all-important it was to set it,
right? He rushed down just as he was in
his bare feet. Opened the window sprang out
into the snow and ran down the lane where he could see a dark
figure in the Moonlight. So George burnwell, tried to get
away, but Arthur caught him and it was a struggle between them.
Your lad tugging, at one side of the Coronet and his opponent at
the other, in the scuffle, your son, struck Sir George and cut
him over the eye, then something suddenly snapped and your son,
finding that he had the Coronet in his hands, rushed back
closed, the window ascended to your room and had just observed
that the Coronet had been Twisted in the Struggle and was
endeavouring to straighten it when you appeared upon the
scene. Is it possible?
Gus the banker? You then roused, his anger by
calling him names at a moment when he felt that he had
deserved your warmest. Thanks.
He could not explain the true State of Affairs without
betraying one who certainly deserved little enough
consideration at his hands. He took the more chivalrous
view, however, and preserved her Secret.
And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the
Coronet cried. Mr. Holder.
Oh my God, what a blind fool. I have been.
And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes.
The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the
scene of the struggle, how cruelly I have misjudged him.
When I arrived at the house continued Holmes.
I at once, went very carefully round it to observe if there
were any traces. Is in the snow which might help
me. I knew that none had fallen
since the evening before and also that there had been a
strong Frost to preserve Impressions.
I passed along the tradesmen's path, but found it all trampled
down and indistinguishable just beyond it.
However, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood
and talked with a man whose round Impressions on one side
showed that he had a wooden leg, I could even tell that they had
been Disturbed. For the woman had run back,
swiftly to the door as was shown by the Deep toe and light heel
marks, while wooden leg, had waited a little, and then had
gone away. I thought at the time that this
might be the maid and her sweetheart of whom you had
already spoken to me and inquiry showed it was, so I passed
around the garden without seeing anything, more than random
tracks, which I took to be the police, but when I got into the
Stable Lane a very long and complex story was written, In
the snow in front of me, there was a double line of tracks of a
booted, man, and a second double line, which I saw with delight
belonged to a man with naked feet.
I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the
latter was your son. The first had walked both ways,
but the other had run swiftly and as his tread was marked in
places over the depression of the boot.
It was obvious that he had passed after the other.
I followed them up and found, they led to the hall window,
where boots had worn all the snow away while waiting.
Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred yards or
more down the lane. I saw where boots had faced
round where the snow was cut up as though they had been a
struggle. And finally where a few drops of
blood had fallen to show me that I was not mistaken.
Boots had then run down the lane and another little smudge of
blood showed that it was he who had been hurt.
When he came to the highroad, at the other end, I found that the
pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that glue on
entering the house. However, I examined as you
remember, the sill and framework of the hall window with my lens
and I could at once, see that someone had passed out, I could
distinguish the outline of an InStep where the wet foot have
been placed in coming in. I was then beginning to be able
to form an opinion as to what had occurred.
A man had waited outside the window.
Someone had brought the gems, the deed had been overseen by
your son. He had pursued the thief, had
struggled with him. They had each tugged at the
Coronet, their United strength causing injuries, which neither
alone could have affected. He had returned with the prize,
but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent so far.
I was clear. The question now was, who was
the man and who was it? Tim.
The Coronet it is an old maxim of mine that when you have
excluded The Impossible, whatever remains however,
improbable must be the truth. Now, I knew that it was not you
who had brought it down. So there only remained your
niece and the maids. But if it were the maids, why
should your son allow himself to be accused in their place?
There could be no possible reason as he loved his cousin.
However, there was an excellent explanation.
Explanation, why he should retain her secret, the more.
So as the secret was a disgraceful one, when I
remembered that you had seen her at that window and how she had
fainted on? Seeing the Coronet again.
My conjecture became a certainty and who could it be?
Who was her Confederate? A lover, evidently for who else
could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must feel to
you. I knew that you went out little
and that your circle of friends was a very limited one.
But among them was Sir George burnwell.
I had heard of him before as being a man of evil reputation
among women. It must have been he who wore
those boots and retained the missing gems, even though he
knew that Arthur had discovered him.
He might still flatter himself that he was safe for the lad,
could not say a word without compromising his own family.
Well, your own Good Sense. Will suggest what measures I
took next. I went in the shape of a loafer
to. So George's house managed to
pick up an acquaintance with his valet learned that his master
had cut his head the night before.
And finally at the expense of six shillings, made all sure by
buying a pair of his cast-off shoes with these.
I journeyed down to streatham and saw that they exactly fitted
the tracks. I saw an ill-dressed Vagabond in
the lane yesterday. Evening said, mr.
Holder precisely. It was, I, I found that I had my
man. So, I came home and changed my
clothes. It was a delicate part, which I
had to play then. For, I saw that a prosecution
must be avoided to avert Scandal, and I knew that so
astute, a villain would see that our hands were tied in the
matter. I went and saw him at first, of
course, he denied. Everything.
But when I gave him every particular that had occurred, he
tried to Bluster. And took down a life-preserver
from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I
clapped a pistol to his head before.
He could strike, then he became a little more reasonable.
I told him that we would give him a price for the stones.
He held 1,000 pounds of peace, that brought out the first signs
of grief that he had shown. Why Dash it all said, he I've
let them go 600 for the three. I soon managed to get the
address of the receiver who had them on, promising him.
That there would be no prosecution off.
I set to him. And after much chaffering, I got
our stones at 1,000 pounds of Peace.
Then I looked in upon, I told him that all was, right, and
eventually got to my bed about two o'clock.
After what I may recall a really hard day's work.
A day which has saved England from a great public Scandal,
said the banker Rising. So I cannot find words to thank
you, but you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have
done. Your skill has indeed exceeded
all's. I've heard of it and now I must
fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong, which I
have done him. As to what you tell me of
Palmieri. It goes to my very heart, not
even yours. Skill can inform me where she is
now. I think that we may safely say
returned Holmes that she is wherever Sir George burnwell.
Is. It is equally certain too that
whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than
sufficient punishment. End of the adventure of the
Beryl Coronet.