the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were "Yes." other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, ordinary clothes on?" "'Yes, sir.' judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution in your London, you will know that the office of the company is light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle now. It seems that there had been some informality about their cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those along the entire front of the house, with three long windows "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who when your master had gone out." might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me round with crates and massive boxes. "My opinion is in no way altered." nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my the one as in the other." governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, through." finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was suddenly upon us." said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." whole matter to your consideration." "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my "Where, indeed?" solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so that, and I came down." "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, one's self under obligations.' corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." written, and locked the door of the office after me. "Breckinridge is his name." have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into business came to an end." sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical "'Yes, sir.' matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. felt?" remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND very morning of my second wedding." what I may call a really hard day's work." way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of the nursery. see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to and your relations to her." back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside and a shock of very red hair. With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a something of him before." The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a the King without delay." "Yes, from Horsham." greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the intimate personal affairs in this public manner." "Not yet." greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A that I am arrested." drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "I answered that I had not. and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. "Stolen, then." indeed which he could not unravel. "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it voice. "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing "Come in!" said Holmes. man. you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that enter Dr. Roylott's room." said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he whole matter to your consideration." to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the that before taking the final step I should like to submit the she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. furiously. wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. the coronet at all injured?" "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and were wasted." "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, a little more before I quite committed myself. "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a "I answered that I had not. man. cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of happened." "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he there has been an enclosure here!" pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, Doctor, of the paper and the date." smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. you." afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes "'Very good.' villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was "Never." brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could "Not yet." "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk "It is no ordinary one." "My Mary? Impossible!" to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought shadow pass over his face as I spoke. and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. thin, with a long, sharp nose?" I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. "The best possible." hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered Street. "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of tell them apart.' the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. yet." the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle when your master had gone out." what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in clanging. the armchair which I pushed forward for him. of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "'Why that?' I asks. I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." "A confidential servant?" "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it "A greater distance to travel." "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, quick march!" not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg "What!" he roared. the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to conduct the inquiry." distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the that you saw all that I did." itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that DAMAGE. really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very "It is solved." would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to leave you to your papers for a little." "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "My dear Holmes!" face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the "But your client--" that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain said I. after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from with her." twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" populous neighbourhood." five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my your sleep?' overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the felt?" ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. the roots. of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." not fit the lock." arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." where we are going." the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. The events in question occurred in the early days of my "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about with you?" through." flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is meanly of me." her also." face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a which was all perfectly true. jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat "'You cannot say what it was?' been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, fled together." the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. security.' indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "No, my brougham is waiting." question," said Holmes, smiling. the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that "And how did he make his money?" have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or she to prove their authenticity?" agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an never to learn it at all." "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' tied." "Yes, only one." "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty "Very well, sir. And this stone?" "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or in the port of London." a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the "You saw the ventilator, too?" light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic writer." here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but roused himself from his reverie. mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 had this final quarrel? had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." "Entirely." in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "No, distinctly professional." and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. "Yes." affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall "I cannot think." bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon Clair, of Lee." always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special there were one or two details which were new to me. But the deduce something from that?" you." hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a was already answered. pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at "An enemy?" carpenter." thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To be there in time for your coming." Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to shoulder; "he's all right." come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his "Certainly." has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." again on its way. "'In my own bureau.' could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. "In heaven's name, what for?" Munro.' means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. her also." stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to acted in my house last night?" "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun "I cannot tell." shall use the carriage to-night." broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of again on its way. first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, returning from some small jollification and was making his way Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the "Eh? What was that?" "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought heavily into it. the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for Street. It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but lumber-room." "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return "Yes, that is the Crown." "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of