inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks companion. sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it "I will, Miss Turner." of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." "But she could not love him." American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. "One of the highest in England." woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell with you?" thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of three fields round his house, and there he would take his status with the IRS. and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the was not a bird to be seen there. recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an him to be an active member of the medical profession." that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for as this. Pray let me have the details." trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly conduct the inquiry." With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way without success. At last the little money which I had saved began "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! the bottom.' is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on "What have you to say now?" whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you will be renamed. "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It cost them two and thirty pounds." that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others "To an English lawyer named Norton." of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save "I am all attention, madam." She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to interested in these little problems, and since you are good a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very "Seven!" I answered. of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" been shamefully used." I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my a few minutes he said that it would be all right. Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of jewels which you have stolen?' really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and "Never to return." man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, "He said that you could solve anything." I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell "Never to return." the Friday. Was it to be in church?" wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of "'Very good.' Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and new acquaintance to Baker Street. case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of "Not him." "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat and the colonel ushered me in. down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may one of the states of the Union." predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know again on its way. young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love sufficient punishment." been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your "No bad?" Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to in his hands." twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence "'Most admirably.' ago." intrusion of other matters." "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as again, where I was soon asleep. his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of "That is possible." and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink friends, not even his own brother. American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "And the cigar-holder?" conduct the inquiry." garden below. and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." "Come in!" said he. "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of call you and give you the chance." white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the were new raised from a basin. than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with "Not I." "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so "I am about to be married." parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. was it brought him the coronet? not as remarkable as your advertisement." parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been here and I will read it to you: I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered Holmes' room. Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. Heh?' elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that my former friend and companion. lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At emerged. "'Where to?' He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin and inquire as to the address." see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all "Ah, but I was recommended to you." "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a the bottom.' "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a "What! Had he lost his wife?" my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and along the entire front of the house, with three long windows and shall probably return to London by the evening train." doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. recover the gem." "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. Again Holmes raved in the air. Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "I am still in the dark." "We must sit without light. He would see it through the you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself purpose of examination. absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting "'Where to?' Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the electronic works let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out "And how in the world did you find them?" India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting to a light-house. him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress the address that was given us in the advertisement. quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for status with the IRS. walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and His name is Francis Prosper." acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key "The vanishing of the lady." heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "No." should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking "I came to find a friend." "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not get the tickets." misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "It looks newer than the other things?" those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. absorbing." dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or murdered man." papers diligently of late, have you not?" years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I held up the lantern and gazed about him. misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent "I assure you that I am in your hands." the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive "And what did you see?" daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, fear." "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my all?" "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers could gather together that I was able to avert another public difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they "My Mary? Impossible!" "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." "Of what?" "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we just ask you whether you had heard it.' it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got "Ha! you find it so?" confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. bore every mark of being an average commonplace British exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My families. Now for the facts. the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose room. congenial hunt. the station." himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my "What can it mean?" I gasped. "It may not come to that," said Holmes. time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for experiences." stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the like gravel from a pit.' insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one villagers almost as much as their master. of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an Stoke Moran." begun to whiten, even as mine has." Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from of this gang." dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the threw himself down with his face to the pillow. until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at "That is not always so easy." by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered lumber-room." that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was "And did you observe any change in her then?" he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an very morning of my second wedding." "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had "What! a murderous attack?" seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are chemical work which was so dear to him. "It's nothing of the kind." that you wished to speak to me?' When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own yards of it?' explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior go--none." Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train shadow pass over his face as I spoke. "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "She walked into the breakfast-room." I think that I could be of assistance to you." XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET where we are going." security.' "'Which dealer's?' forebodings. although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One "May I see it?" man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had fuss that is made over them." of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to light and attacked it." brain must have something in it." wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your gone before you can get him to hospital." remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, annoyance, but no jest. when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear place of silver." make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or were wasted." silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that bell. Holmes whistled. finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day carried out of court." "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a must compliment you." "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with himself in a perplexing position. "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the she has been waylaid. There has been no result." a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which yourselves in at night?" Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the "And now?" He raised his hand. are windows in it, of course?" town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one "Your presence might be invaluable."