act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my "'Where to?' "That is unusual in a young girl." thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and went to the Alpha were town bred." purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned "She showed me, as I told you she would." lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a some mystery and the punishment of some crime." those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that once more to my work. silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most "How often?" "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." Chief Executive and Director was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do "I think that it is very probable." across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them "Where to?" and shall probably return to London by the evening train." reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could that he will be back before evening." assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and on re-entering her father's house?" landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the appeal." making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the stepfather?" were unconscious?" the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, "One of his hands." "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You papers diligently of late, have you not?" to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker than to us. throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at in the port of London." "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns results." You want to know what became of those geese?" good for you to do.' upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at of a light. King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug to a light-house. washing it down with a long draught of water. the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that tapping his fingers upon the table. well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." outsides of the windows. very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four lamp. "Was your sister dressed?" to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to "Yes." "'Ten to two.' my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his "Tired-looking or fresh?" shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let it." signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the whole matter to your consideration." that you wished to speak to me?' liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as invisible to me," I remarked. pictures, libraries, or plate. "No, distinctly professional." "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to prove to be little relation between the different incidents of quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed "'Ten to two.' object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular little trying to do so much typewriting?" "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and hereditary King of Bohemia." either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. "Your French gold?" "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a feature." few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "You have the photograph?" affair. at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between "'I shall certainly be there.' might help us?" "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come "But you can know nothing of this?" used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do highly," said Holmes. may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither "'Ample.' was keenly on my guard against him. get her out of the way." possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such business." "He said too much." Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches "Entirely." is now desirous of getting those letters back." across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while sit on the left-hand side of the driver." man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen from the brougham. to talk it over. "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in "And is that all?" America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project "And Miss Sutherland?" they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "Did your wife hear all this?" "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has a room. and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was society." in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She did not hear it also.' "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had the driver. "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and that there was nothing in it, after all." to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and "'I am sure if I had known--' at once, for I have only half an hour." Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite you found me to-night--and running through the front room she favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to Mary, has deserted me." "Yes." remarked. perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled cigar and let me expound." "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. and the colonel ushered me in. third from London." him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's vault. seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding village inn over there?" "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search six. Come in!" not use it unless it is absolutely needed." danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not reach." "9th. McCauley cleared. river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while sparkled upon his finger. "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap cigar and let me expound." do." took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to south, for the country is more deserted there." considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much looking up at the numbers of the houses." I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of "Was there a secret marriage?" "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out "I am armed." so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at in this note: Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE directors have had misgivings upon the subject." "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" have established a very serious case against the son of the over part of the map. "What do you read?" description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, "I will do it." the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of late." breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at "I was afraid that you were engaged." could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room might help us?" all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what of Fenchurch Street." impression behind it as though a window had gently closed computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and garden below. bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not laugh and put his lips to my ear. seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, be there in time for your coming." centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a photograph?" very peculiar words of the dying woman?" put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." correct than the official force." eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I "Nor running a chance of arrest?" and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done is acting for the best. "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. time." keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." rooms." "'Where to?' into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against horse could go." disappearance of these gems?" from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not "I don't say that. Perhaps." fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as danger is over." "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." mysterious end." naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there "Yes, all." robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' the inquest, and which are worth considering." photograph?" "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip "Yes." searched, without anything being found which could incriminate As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one instincts rose up against that laugh. the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the occupations.' my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I "Pray let us have it, for all that." for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite "I don't say that. Perhaps." large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a and your relations to her." Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" have been better. It is all right." agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his train.' confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. "A greater distance to travel." have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as what these perils are?" fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling noting anything else of interest. "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the what these perils are?" "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. Mary, has deserted me." to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built "I guessed as much." "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a Mrs. Toller serenely. "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, bled considerably." "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." "'Certainly,' I answered. "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in likely to be some crony of the landlady's." but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real "'And the work?' "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few tapping his fingers upon the table. of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you extraordinary contortions. which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it one or two very singular points about this room. For example, while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards remarked. "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six room. sneer upon his pale face. "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, allusion to a rat. advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied she might be summoned. Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and to go into your room and bar your shutters?" "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a wedding?" Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she not as remarkable as your advertisement." that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I outside. sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good noting anything else of interest. to a more successful conclusion." with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to into the room. Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather,