"I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained imbecility!" he cried. "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in "Do you know him?" significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. sake, don't!" as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his once more. discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "To an English lawyer named Norton." Clair, of Lee." little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from 1.E.9. clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, thin, with a long, sharp nose?" hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, third from London." "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had annoyance, but no jest. fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "What! a murderous attack?" world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, "Breckinridge is his name." "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave stalked out of the room. hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an burst out into a roar of laughter. Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, "I guessed as much." "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt habit of advancing money.' "So I heard. You have him here?" fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as lids now and glanced across at his visitor. more terrible than the truth. "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be "That is unusual in a young girl." "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a cheerful." better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in "And how did he make his money?" very morning of my second wedding." four million human beings all jostling each other within the "Yes." front of the hall door has given its name to the place. enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the of it with the greatest attention. bird I ate is country bred." awkward doing business with an alias." his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the to Leatherhead. conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for "Where to?" "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his "My own seal." are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the there!' "That was it, sir." London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what "'Yes, sir.' the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out see me here to avoid scandal." other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange "But you can know nothing of this?" wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the the night.' "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him on in his house." cigar and let me expound." the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last about here speaks of his kindness to him." heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" the date of his supposed suicide." were new raised from a basin. I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other down. it." considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' was a loud and authoritative tap. gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a "You will not go there first?" "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. "That was it, sir." endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been to a more successful conclusion." up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. the driver. other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "And it is--" answer." action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet "'You cannot say what it was?' "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have "You think that he is dead?" Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal situation." worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some and the whole place is in a blaze." "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let "Yes." It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able business?" Eyford at 11:15.' Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was "And your mother is alive?" to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing bird of prey. providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance just ask you whether you had heard it.' "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, "Then what has happened to him?" which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." jewels which you have stolen?' retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, is worth.' Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous "The murder was done with it." with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while "The knees of his trousers." is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the main points of my analysis." the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him key of the affair now." suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt "Then, as to money?" I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, be. this poor creature." assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until nice household for a young lady." "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "It is half-past ten now." He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, frequently gained my first real insight into the character of but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the "But he might be a bachelor." the Friday. Was it to be in church?" "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." on in his house." the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you "No legal papers or certificates?" of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I arrangements." the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No "None. Neville wrote those words." shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put occurred." the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" the nursery. figure." well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that gives a meaning to it." "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting I leave." large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, "How on earth--" figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer "Did you become engaged then?" and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." "No good news?" matter." clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the noting anything else of interest. Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the "By no means." uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting get her out of the way." might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me "I am about to be married." over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who suddenly upon us." stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, "How about poison?" When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the "I am sure." "I am following you closely," I answered. a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had introspective fashion. inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after "And I to find an enemy." As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET towards the blaze. her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms not interfere, come what may. You understand?" not fit the lock." however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did "And the murderer?" "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every me. You must get home instantly and act." "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was "And how have you succeeded?" Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock "Murdered?" everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its than was visible to me." again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as "That is unusual in a young girl." wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double better grown goose." Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "'Then let me do so?' 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted against a man in the prime of life?" Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as could gather together that I was able to avert another public gone before you can get him to hospital." would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen "Here?" "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per behind me. well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything This is what he says: "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I carried out of court." Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. events, Mr. Windibank!" We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, outside. the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram indiscretion." smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" a room. "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "Could he throw no light?" of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been "You were travelling in the States?" known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted for the market.' chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for "I should be immensely obliged to you." understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. "No sign of it?" my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and perplexity from it to my illustrious client. have not had my rubber." nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the "One of the highest in England." daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been the morning and make my own way in the world.' blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. "Why did you beat the pavement?" you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can stepfather?" in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned were unconscious?" "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was families. Now for the facts. "No, but the enclosure is." the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of