"It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate his huge brown hands. "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try "Pray continue your narrative." better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on I think that I could be of assistance to you." business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the tell them apart.' the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said ordinary clothes on?" for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a signal between you and your father? received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story some water from a caraffe. "Awake, Watson?" he asked. the child." There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right when your master had gone out." his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in "Which are?" round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So "You are certainly joking, Holmes." I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my "I shall be delighted." the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I for the market.' but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may lost nothing by them." a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in place no limit on the sum I may draw." beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is galvanised. "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six sneer upon his pale face. "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the burst into a hearty fit of laughter. heavily into it. from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be "Where, then, is my wife?" address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, presented more singular features than that which was associated "It certainly sounds feasible." "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture impression behind it as though a window had gently closed to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his detective. "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your have I gained?" "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. your room." grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same This is what he says: "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "But of what society?" between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was room had already been engaged for us. gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step sufficient punishment." shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is "Only as much as we can deduce." a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in villagers almost as much as their master. pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up "I will do it." made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and and it need not interfere very much with one's other "I am armed." that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke "But he might be a bachelor." "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to in your London, you will know that the office of the company is moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or entirely devoid of interest." "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of are, and they are waiting for us." town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set "'Certainly not. But why?' the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. test if we have an answer to our advertisement." case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself cause to be." "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple tension within him. ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & "'Where could I find him?' events, Mr. Windibank!" first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission and that he would see to anything that turned up. postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and "Perhaps I have." "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. "It is very clear." sooner or later she must fall a victim. "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it charge against him will break down." typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "Then you may be so with me." "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, remarked. "Then he might have called to you?" "He disappeared so suddenly." 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking that?' companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. the running down." backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there "Yes, it was twisted." had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the to have been novel and of interest." especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you "Pray do so." "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which society." will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who upon the shelf for the interim." cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is not interfere, come what may. You understand?" address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" is worth.' sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned You can understand that this register and diary may implicate purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and and the church but not where the lady lived." "I say it is." them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened "It is half-past ten now." research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while eavesdroppers?' "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. "I think it very unlikely." "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that shall use the carriage to-night." safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich "Witness: Nothing definite. "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary "About a month then." There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps hard-headed British jury." for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: and looked back. the dangers which encompass me." American. Then who could this American be, and why should he from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is wedding?" her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, mystery." some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project III. recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to up this clue while it is still hot." look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had should be so warm over such a trifle." will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be less than 26s. 4d. waste of energy." compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a a very grave face. "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new key turn in the lock." "Where to?" "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the again, where I was soon asleep. of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no appointment with me for six o'clock?" wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the "Yes." say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more long narrative. "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a highroad, where all traces were lost. "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came "Won't it ring?" three of the beryls in it, was missing. "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done them?" in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." fait accompli?" that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the see me here to avoid scandal." front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from had picked up in the wood. Holmes." and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" lost nothing by them." and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "Yes." "Upon what point?" after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled train.' and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" "Well, but China?" "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such "I am all attention, madam." and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have unclasping of his long thin hands. permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the "'It is locked up,' I answered. that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again occupations.' into the room. the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this him." ashen face. "Was your sister dressed?" "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which whereabouts. had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. swore that no one else had been in the front room during the evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything "So I have heard." have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I four million human beings all jostling each other within the desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had to you." "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. the best of training." most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so "You have the photograph?" until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad *** START: FULL LICENSE *** coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the less than 26s. 4d. but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these "I say that I have solved it." "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk bed dies. Does not that strike you?" "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some "Precisely." settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you woven round him. a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue "'I have already given you my word.' wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen a room. "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees article?" depend upon my doing so.' I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small "Then the page we have seen--" frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an "Ah, but I was recommended to you." business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money "Upon what point?" like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror gentleman's clothes. passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must trying to your nerves." "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what retorted upon me, and I on you." too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness "I was certainly surprised to find you there." "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his "But the mystery?" "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. straightened it out again. then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. towards the blaze. once more to my work. of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is "Thank you. And your address?" retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out congenial hunt. of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I fatally injured? Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in