"You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my which are rolled in Rotterdam." colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we It was close upon four before the door opened, and a were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are a little more before I quite committed myself. "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, business?" cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in such person." - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew "Where to?" galvanised. river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a opened the door, and slipped through. as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we beg that you will break it off." slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general awaited us upon the table. both be extremely obliged.' back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. writing, and yet I know it well." "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he few hundred pounds.' "Upon what point?" Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. "You forget that I know nothing about it." The note was undated, and without either signature or address. surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital "'Certainly,' I answered. and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious anything to a woman, for she would have her way." sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my "That also I could fathom." "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country "And how did you find out?" "Absolutely none." VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she "Certainly." be best to do. his fortune, and I went back to pa. should be taken.' "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and until night should bring an explanation. fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the "Then you may be so with me." the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing feature." "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., conversation I have gathered that they have been married about as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table drawing your inferences." greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely "He disappeared so suddenly." smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back IS which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it "On the contrary, this is the right side." nice household for a young lady." league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to me, and I could not think that his explanation of the wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely once more for Briony Lodge. while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their wedding?" "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one them?" "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can "I am in hopes that she does." play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "I am all attention, madam." strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity village inn over there?" the matter." upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped chill to my heart. had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of "Very murderous indeed." details should find their way into the papers. Inspector as noiselessly as she had come. "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I been shamefully used." "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who "So I am. Very much so." with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I "'Certainly not. But why?' "Yes." studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." the night.' his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in said he at last. you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of upon the shelf for the interim." "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon acted in my house last night?" "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. we went to search for him, face downward in a little "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent "Dr. Becher's." sound at heart." "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, he died? All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own already referred to. know all about it," he snarled. the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in "But how?" Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if call it cruel." have been better. It is all right." and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time take the flies, but not before." "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" fact, we may call it conclusive." DAMAGE. "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most husband's writing, madam." to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both together. master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the "'Where to?' creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, question," said Holmes, smiling. ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect get her out of the way." "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel tell me that you intended to go into harness." we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a the bottom.' grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, was a lad." its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine the morning and make my own way in the world.' pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be face and glided from the room. at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would "It was an hour's good drive." interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that taking in every detail of the apartment. you?' "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" "Where to?" what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have companion quietly. an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That trying to your nerves." law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together "Where, then?" whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe troubles have been weighing upon his mind. "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from vault. London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to "Perhaps we may make them less so." about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were good for you to do.' Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, "What have you to say now?" brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever had formerly been in part my own. which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to "My dear Holmes!" learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, as noiselessly as she had come. exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were "Dirty?" "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less have not had my rubber." it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are matter." and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in and effective." explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from "You know me, then?" from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that reach." front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out sit on the left-hand side of the driver." 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' "In answer to an advertisement." possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." few hundred pounds.' He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to weary and pale-looking. no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two upon an income of about 60 pounds." and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel such person." mystery may be cleared along those lines." determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always lumber-room." and the colonel ushered me in. slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" opportunities to fix the problem. I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in forbidden door. an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in "How did that help you?" despair." What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a "I will, Miss Turner." name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me round with crates and massive boxes. "Very well, sir. And this stone?" "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the companion. one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in "And how did you find out?" written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who "And the cigar-holder?" which was all perfectly true. not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. "But how could you guess what the motive was?" he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the murdered man." manager. to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up purpose of examination. unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias "Texas, I think." could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left returned to France?" considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies be sorry for having acted so harshly." "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was derbies." going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. present strange and interesting features that it is no easy doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she "Did he not advertise?" "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys the dangers which encompass me." window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the dear old homesteads?" Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' I think that I could be of assistance to you." shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back shall not find me ungrateful." slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of "And when will you call?" "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two the nursery. my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at time." "'Oh, no.' three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you my secret was safe in his possession. hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a "Was she in good spirits?" your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." "No legal papers or certificates?" who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced "Did you become engaged then?" warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it "Yes." to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put "My stepfather's business papers." copied or distributed: "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at skylight. carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad "It was." His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to upon the white wrist. turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post "One horse?" interjected Holmes. on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while "Pray let us have it, for all that." an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to lamp in his hand. with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is fact, we may call it conclusive." from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." "I am sure." preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned,